Name of the Student__________________________________________________

Learning Area/Grade Level: ___________________________________________

Date: __________________________________

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT
Earthquake is a natural phenomenon that happens several times a day
worldwide. It is sometimes perceptible to human but most of the time is only detected
with the use of devices. When we hear or read news about earthquake, we often
encounter the words intensity and magnitude. These words are used to describe
how strong the earthquake is. But what is the difference between magnitude and
intensity of an earthquake?
This learner’s packet is designed for you to have better understanding of
earthquake intensity and magnitude. Furthermore, the succeeding activities will help
you gain more insight regarding the effects of earthquake by interpreting its intensity
and magnitude level.
II. LEARNING SKILLS FROM THE MELC
MELC: Differentiate the: (1) epicenter of an earthquake from its focus; (2)
intensity of an earthquake from its magnitude; (3) active and inactive
faults. (S8ES-IIa-15)
Objectives:
1. Determine the intensity and magnitude of an earthquake in different areas
surrounding the epicenter.
2. Relate distance from the epicenter and intensity of an earthquake.
3. Differentiate magnitude and intensity of an earthquake.

III. ACTIVITIES
A. Elicit

In the previous leaner’s packet, you have learned to differentiate the

epicenter of an earthquake from its focus. To know whether you still remember the
important points of the previous lesson, group the following information in the table.

 It is point where the earthquake originates.

 It is where the rupture begins.
 It is a point of reference when reporting an earthquake.
 It is located below the earth’s surface.
 It is located at the surface of the earth.

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 FOCUS EPICENTER

Great work! Focus and epicenter are points of reference in measuring the
strength of an earthquake. It is important that you know the place where the
earthquake originates to understand the ideas that you are about to unfold.

B. Engage

Note that intensity and magnitude of an earthquake are like focus and
epicenter which are closely related but means differently. In the next activity
you will be able to gain hint on how to differentiate the two terms.

Direction: Read and analyze the news article below. Answer the questions that
follow.

Magnitude 5.2 earthquake shakes Mindanao

By: Katrina Hallare

There were no immediate reports of damage or

injury from the tremblor that was of tectonic
origin and occurred at a 19-kilometer depth of
focus.

Phivolcs said that the quake was also felt in the

following areas:

 Reported Intensity V – Bansalan and

Magsaysay, Davao del Sur
 Instrumental Intensity IV – Kidapawan City;
Phivolcs
Tupi, South Cotabato; Malungon, Sarangani
 Instrumental Intensity II – Alabel,
MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 5.2 earthquake Sarangani; General Santos City;
jolted a large swath of Mindanao in the early hours  Instrumental Intensity I – Kiamba,
of Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology Sarangani
and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Phivolcs cautioned residents that aftershocks
The inland quake, which struck at 2:16 a.m. beneath are likely to occur.
Davao Region, centered 11 km southeast of Kiblawan
town in Davao del Sur.

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 1. What is the magnitude of an earthquake felt in different areas of Mindanao?
__________________________________________________________
2. What are the intensities of an earthquake felt in different areas of Mindanao?
__________________________________________________________
3. Is there a difference between intensity and magnitude of an earthquake as
what have you read from the news article?
__________________________________________________________

What describes how strong the earthquake is? You will find it out in
the next activity.

C. Explore

Activity: Quick Quake

Materials:

-Paper and pen

-Earthquake anatomy illustration
-Philippine Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS)
-Richter Scale

Procedure:

1. Study the illustration carefully and complete the table 1.

2. Follow the legend below to understand the illustration.
Legend: - epicenter
- distance from the epicenter

- magnitude

- intensity
3. Answer the guide questions based on the data in table 1, the PEIS and
Richter Scale.

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 Source: image-vector/geography-earthquake-fault-lines-1320527447

TABLE 1
LOCATION DISTANCE FROM INTENSITY MAGNITUDE
THE EPICENTER
A
B
C
D
E

To interpret the intensity of an earthquake, use the scale below.

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 INTENSITY SHAKING WHAT PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE
 Noticeable to some people
I Scarcely perceptible  Water moves slowly
 Felt by few people indoors
II Slightly felt  Hanging objects swing
slightly
 Water moves noticeably
 Felt by people indoors,
III Weak especially in upper floors
 Some experience dizziness
 Hanging objects swing
 Light sleepers are awakened
 Hanging objects swing
IV Moderately strong  Plates, utensils, windows and
doors rattle
Water sleeping
 Many
 moves strongly
people are
awakened
V Strong  Shaking felt in buildings
 Hanging objects swing
violently
People
 Light orlose balance
unstable objects may
 Motorists feel like driving with
VI Very strong flat tires
 Heavy furniture moves, cracks
appearhave
People on walls
 Trees
 shake difficulty standing
in upper floors
VII Destructive  Furniture toppled
 Church bells ring
 Old or poorly
People built structures
have difficulty standing
damagedbuildings and
 Damaged
VIII Very destructive bridges
 Railway tracks broken
 Tombstones overturned
 Landslides
 People are thrown to ground
 Totally damaged buildings
IX Devastating  Bridges destroyed
 Towers tilted
 Landslides
 Destruction of man-made
Completely structures
X devastating  Massive landslides
 River courses change
 Trees uprooted

To interpret the magnitude of an earthquake, use the Richter Scale on

the next page.

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 RICHTER SCALE

MAGNITUDE LEVEL CATEGORY EFFECTS

micro generally not felt by people, though recorded on
less than 1.0 to 2.9
local instruments
3.0–3.9 minor felt by many people; no damage
4.0–4.9 light felt by all; minor breakage of objects
5.0–5.9 moderate some damage to weak structures
6.0–6.9 strong moderate damage in populated areas
7.0–7.9 major serious damage over large areas; loss of life
8.0 and higher great severe destruction and loss of life over large
areas

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What is the measured magnitude of an earthquake? In what category the
earthquake belongs based on the Richter Scale?
____________________________________________________________
2. Where is the magnitude of an earthquake being measured?
___________________________________________________________
3. Where is the epicenter of an earthquake located? What is the intensity of an
earthquake in this location?
____________________________________________________________

4. What are the recorded intensities at location B , C, D and E? How is the

shaking
in these locations being described based on the Philippine Earthquake
Intensity Scale (PEIS) respectively?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
5. In what place the lowest intensity scale was recorded? Is it near or far from
the epicenter?
____________________________________________________________

6. What happens to the intensity of an earthquake as measured away from

the epicenter?
___________________________________________________________

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 7. Based on the information above, how is intensity of an earthquake different
from magnitude?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Now that you are done with the activity, let us check your
understanding and learn more about magnitude and intensity.

D. Explain

The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of energy produced at the

source of vibration or focus. The numerical value of the magnitude which is
expressed in Hindu Arabic numerals remains the same regardless of the distance
from the epicenter where the measurement done. It means that in each occurrence
of earthquake, only one value of magnitude is recorded. Magnitude of an earthquake
is determined with the use of instruments like seismometer and seismograph. The
information gathered by these instruments is then interpreted using the Richter
Scale.

On the other hand, the intensity of an earthquake is the measure of the

severity of damage caused by the vibration. It is expressed using the Roman
numerals. Basically, intensity varies with the distance from the epicenter. Places
near the epicenter suffer from greater damage than the places farther from the
epicenter. The intensity level of an earthquake is measured through observations of
damages in a particular locality and is interpreted using the Mercalli Scale which is
adapted in the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS).

In your activity, it is evident that the intensity of an earthquake decreases

when measured farther from the epicenter. Location A for instance, which is at the
epicenter experienced an intensity scale VII which is described as destructive, while
Location E which is located 250 km from the epicenter experienced intensity scale II
only which is considered as Slightly Felt. This intensity is much lower than what is
experienced in any location near the epicenter. On the other hand, magnitude of an
earthquake measured in any location remains 6.8 which is categorized as Strong
regardless of the distance from the epicenter.

In some instances, you might notice that earthquake intensity experienced in

a place near the epicenter is lesser as compared to a farther place. This situation
can be explained if we take into consideration the soil structure of the two places.
Different characteristics of the soil vibrate in different intensities. Soil containing
hard rock vibrates lesser than soft, loose soil.

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 Let’s find out the degree of your understanding about magnitude and
intensity in the activity below.

E. Elaborate / Extend

Direction: Analyze the situation below and perform the simulation to answer
the following questions.

Situation: Rex, Allen and Danny are living in different floors of the same
building. Rex’s room is located at the 1st floor, Allen’s room is at the
5th floor while, Danny’s room is at the 9th floor. A magnitude 5.5
earthquake was felt in the building.

To give you an idea of what they experienced during the

earthquake, try doing a simulation using one broomstick to represent
the building. Hold one end of the stick and stand it firmly on the table,
then, tap the table. Observe the vibration of the stick from top to bottom.

1. What is the magnitude of an earthquake if Rex measures it from his room?

What about the magnitude of an earthquake if measured from Allen’s room
and Danny’s room?
______________________________________________________________

2. Who among the three boys experienced the least shaking or vibration?
______________________________________________________________
3. Who among the three boys experienced the strongest shaking or vibration?
______________________________________________________________
4. Do they experience the same intensity of earthquake? Explain.
______________________________________________________________

F. Evaluate

Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the correct
answer.

1. What is the magnitude and intensity of an earthquake in Digos?

a. Magnitude VII , intensity 6.4
b. Magnitude V , intensity 6.4
c. Magnitude 6.4, intensity VII
d. Magnitude 6.4, intensity V

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RO_Science_Grade 8_Q2_LP 2
 2. Which of the following is TRUE about the relationship of intensity of an
earthquake and distance from the epicenter?
a. The intensity decreases as the distance from the epicenter becomes
greater.
b. The intensity increases as the distance from the epicenter becomes
greater.
c. The intensity remains the same as the distance from the epicenter
becomes greater.
d. The intensity doubles as the distance from the epicenter becomes
greater.

3. Intensity : Damage :: Magnitude : _________

a. Wave b. Amplitude c. Energy d. Force

4. What happens to the magnitude and intensity as measured farther from
the epicenter?
a. Magnitude increases while intensity decreases
b. Magnitude decreases while intensity increases
c. Magnitude increases while intensity remains constant
d. Magnitude remains the same while intensity decreases

5. What is the difference between intensity II and magnitude 2 of an

earthquake?
a. Intensity II tells that the earthquake is a micro-earthquake while,
magnitude 2 tells that it is slightly felt by people.
b. Intensity II tells that it is slightly felt by people while, magnitude 2
tells that the earthquake is a micro-earthquake.
c. Intensity II suggest that the earthquake releases low energy while,
magnitude 2 suggest that it is a weak earthquake.
d. Intensity II suggest that the earthquake releases high energy while,
magnitude 2 suggest that it is scarcely perceptible earthquake.

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RO_Science_Grade 8_Q2_LP 2
IV. ANSWER KEY
A. Elicit
FOCUS EPICENTER
 It is point where the earthquake  It is a point of reference when
originates. reporting an earthquake.
 It is where the rupture begins.  It is located at the surface of the
earth
 It is located below the earth’s
surface.

B. Engage
1. Magnitude 5.2
2. Balasan and Magsaysay – intensity scale V
Kidapawan, Tupi and Malungon - intensity scale IV
Alabel and Gen. Santos - intensity scale II
Kiamba - intensity scale I
3. Yes

C. Explore
LOCATION DISTANCE FROM INTENSITY MAGNITUDE
THE EPICENTER
A 0 VII
B 50 km V
C 100 km IV 6.8
D 200 km III
E 250 km II

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. Magnitude 6.8 , Strong
2. It is measured from the focus.
3. At location A, intensity VII
4. Location B – intensity V described as Strong
Location C – intensity IV described as Moderately Strong

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RO_Science_Grade 8_Q2_LP 2
 Location D – intensity III described as Weak
Location E – intensity II described as Slightly Felt

5. The lowest intensity of the earthquake was recorded in location E, a place

far from the epicenter.
6. The intensity decreases as measured farther from the epicenter.
7. Magnitude of an earthquake has only one value and is measured from the
focus while intensity has different values as measured in different
locations.
Magnitude and intensity are also interpreted differently.

D. Elaborate/ Extend
1. The magnitude of an earthquake is 5.5 in three different rooms of the boys.

2. Rex
3. Danny
4. Yes. Although they experience different vibration due to the different height
of their rooms from the ground they are all located in the same distance
from the epicenter therefore there is only one value of intensity in their
place.

F. Evaluate
1. C 2. A 3. C 4.D 5. B

VI. REFLECTION
Complete the phrases below.

I thought _________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

I learned that ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

I feel ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________.

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VII. REFERENCES

Online Sources

Hallare, Katrina. 2020. Magniyude 5.2 earthquake shakes Mindanao.

Accessed August 20, 2021 from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1305309/
magnitude-5-2-earthquake-shakes-mindanao

IRIS. 2020. How Often Do Earthquakes Occur?. Accessed August 20, 2021 from
https://www.iris.edu/hq/inclass/fact-sheet/how_often_do_earthquakes_occur

PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS). n.d. DOST PHIVOLCS. Accessed

August 20, 2021 from https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/
earthquake/earthquake-intensity-scale

U.S. Geological Survey. n.d. What is the difference between earthquake

magnitude and earthquake intensity? What is the Modified Mercalli Intensity
Scale? Accessed from https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-difference-between-
earthquake-magnitude-and-earthquake-intensity-what-modified-mercalli?qt-
news_science_products=3#qt-news_science_products

Images
Earthquake Fault Line from https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/geography-
earthquake-fault-lines-1320527447

SMILE LEARNER’S PACKET DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Writer: RICHEL S. OCAÑA

Reviewers: ROWENA C. DE LEON

ERICK F. GAYANES
CHRISTY BLANCA G. LOBERIA
ESTER T. GONZALES
VENJO L. LESANO
ERNESTO B. GILE JR.
JOHN BRYAN M. EVASCO

Layout Artist: APRIL R. GERSALIA

Editor: CHRISTINA GUANIZO

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