Moment magnitude scale of formula_33 are the same for all earthquakes, one can consider as a measure of the potential energy change Δ"W" caused by earthquakes. Similarly, if one assumes formula_34 is the same for all earthquakes, one can consider as a measure of the energy "E" radiated by earthquakes. Under these assumptions, the following formula, obtained by solving for the equation defining , allows one to assess the ratio formula_35 of energy release (potential or radiated) between two earthquakes of different moment magnitudes, formula_36 and formula_37: As with the Richter scale, an increase of one step on the logarithmic scale of moment
Apparent magnitude further qualification, it is usually the V magnitude that is meant, more or less the same as visual magnitude. Because cooler stars, such as red giants and red dwarfs, emit little energy in the blue and UV regions of the spectrum their power is often under-represented by the UBV scale. Indeed, some L and T class stars have an estimated magnitude of well over 100, because they emit extremely little visible light, but are strongest in infrared. Measures of magnitude need cautious treatment and it is extremely important to measure like with like. On early 20th century and older orthochromatic