The volume \( V \) of a right circular cone is given by the formula:
\[
V = \frac{1}{3} \pi r^2 h
\]
where \( r \) is the radius and \( h \) is the height. If the radius is increased by 50%, the new radius becomes \( 1.5r \). Since the volume depends on the square of the radius, the new volume becomes:
\[
V' = \frac{1}{3} \pi (1.5r)^2 h = \frac{1}{3} \pi .2.25r^2 h = 2.25V
\]
Thus, the volume increases by 125%, as \( 2.25V - V = 1.25V \).