Here's why:

* Logarithmic scale: A logarithmic scale means that each step represents a tenfold increase in the quantity being measured. In the case of the Richter scale, each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of seismic waves.

* Magnitude: Magnitude refers to the amount of energy released by an earthquake.

* Measurement: The Richter scale measures the magnitude of an earthquake by analyzing the amplitude of seismic waves recorded by seismographs.

So, the term "scale" in "Richter scale" accurately reflects the way it quantifies earthquake intensity using a logarithmic system.