Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Interpret Logarithmic Scales (pH, Richter, Decibel)

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

Logarithmic scales measure phenomena spanning huge ranges. pH = –log₁₀[H⁺] gauges acidity, each integer step is a tenfold difference in H⁺ concentration. The Richter scale for earthquakes is log-based, so an increase of 1 indicates 10× greater amplitude. Decibels measure sound intensity, with each 10 dB jump implying a 10× power increase. Understanding logs clarifies why linear changes in these scales represent vast multiplicative shifts. Proficiency ensures correct interpretation of scientific and everyday data, from hearing protection advice to reading environment metrics accurately.

Practice Questions

A car travels 240 km in 4 hours. What is its average speed?

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If a number is divisible by 9, it is also divisible by which of the following?

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What is the sum of the first 20 odd numbers?

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If sin(θ) = 0.6 and θ is acute, what is cos(θ)?

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If a:b = 7:9 and b:c = 5:6, what is a:c?

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A man rows downstream at 6 km/h and upstream at 4 km/h. What is the speed of the stream?

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What is the remainder when 5^100 is divided by 3?

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If sin(A) = 1/2 and A is acute, what is the value of A?

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If x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0, what are the roots?

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