How does a Richter Scale work: Know all about it

Earthquakes are devastating acts of nature. The scientific explanation for this phenomenon is that earthquakes occur due to plate tectonics. There are instruments which measure the earthquakes, which are seismograph and Richter scale.
Richter scale denotes every quake by a number with a 1 being very weak and 7 and beyond is regarded as strong.
The energy released proportion ratio is 1:30. This means that an earthquake with a 7 rank on the scale is 30 times greater than an earthquake with 6 magnitude.
The number system below shows how the magnitude and the intensity of earthquakes are related.

•     1-2: This tremor is rarely felt by people as the magnitude is very low

•     2-3: Only people who are not in motion can feel the shaking, particularly if they are on the upper floors of a building

•     3-4: It is felt by many but most people do not realise it to be an earthquake

•     4: Most people indoors and some outdoors observe shaking. Dishes, windows, doors and other loosely bound materials rattle. Walls often creak

•     4-5: It is felt by almost everyone.  Small objects fall down. Some dishes and even window panes break

•     5-6:  It is felt by all. It is hard to move around during this period.  With minor damages, there is no damage to buildings

•     6: Plaster and bricks may crack and fall. Waves in ponds are noticeable. This magnitude causes substantial damage to poorly built buildings

•     6-7:  Building walls, chimneys, and tree branches break and fall. Tall structures generally coil and fall

•     7: This can be regarded as a panic situation. Underground pipes may break, and even sturdy buildings are significantly damaged. The ground may crack

•     7-8: The ground cracks, with considerable damage to everything

•     8: Everything including the railways and the roadways are destroyed. Most buildings collapse. Large cracks appear in the ground

•     8 or greater: Almost everything is destroyed. The surface of the ground moves in waves or ripples. The ground is covered with cracks and holes.