Question

An area that is far from the epicenter of an earthquake generally has a lower intensity than an area closer to the epicenter. Why?

Answer 1

This is an example of the inverse square law. The force becomes less as the distance increases.

Explanation:

The inverse square law is `F/d^2`

So if the distance increases by 2 the force decrease by 4

`F/2^2` = `F/4`

If the distance increases by 4 the force decreases by 16

`F/4^2` = `F/16`

This is why the most damage occurs close to the epicenter of the earthquake. The greater the distance from the earthquake the less the force of the earthquake.