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M$1 Answer
An 8.8 Richter scale magnitude quake is 1 times stronger than an 8.7 Richter scale magnitude quake. Increases in earthquake magnitude by Richter scale numbers are exponential, so in physical sensation terms, an 8.8 is roughly half again stronger than the 8.7 magnitude earthquake.
Here's an explanation by Nancy Marcus:
"Each number increase on the Richter scale indicates an intensity ten times stronger. For example, an earthquake of magnitude 6 is ten times stronger than an earthquake of magnitude 5. An earthquake of magnitude 7 is 10x10=100 times strong than an earthquake of magnitude 5. An earthquake of magnitude 8 is 10x10x10=1000 times stronger than an earthquake of magnitude 5."
Note, your question only asks about 1/2 of the scientific measurement of an earthquake. Measurement of earthquakes is a combination of (M)agnitude and (I)ntensity.
Here's an explanation by Nancy Marcus:
"Each number increase on the Richter scale indicates an intensity ten times stronger. For example, an earthquake of magnitude 6 is ten times stronger than an earthquake of magnitude 5. An earthquake of magnitude 7 is 10x10=100 times strong than an earthquake of magnitude 5. An earthquake of magnitude 8 is 10x10x10=1000 times stronger than an earthquake of magnitude 5."
Note, your question only asks about 1/2 of the scientific measurement of an earthquake. Measurement of earthquakes is a combination of (M)agnitude and (I)ntensity.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
The amplitude is 10 times stronger from M5 to M6, but the energy released is 10^(3/2)~31.6 times stronger, either for Richter sale (M_l) or the one used now, moment magnitude scale (M_w).
Since these values are increasing exponentially, the difference of 0.1 unit (for example from M8.7 to M8.8) is 10^(1/10)~1.26 more for amplitude and 10^(3/20)~1.41 more for the released energy