Editing Logarithmic scale (section)

== Common uses ==
The markings on [[slide rule]]s are arranged in a log scale for multiplying or dividing numbers by adding or subtracting lengths on the scales.

The following are examples of commonly used logarithmic scales, where a larger quantity results in a higher value:
* [[Richter magnitude scale]] and [[moment magnitude scale]] (MMS) for strength of [[earthquakes]] and [[Motion (physics)|movement]] in the [[Earth]]
[[File:COB data Tsunami deaths.PNG|right|thumb|upright=1.7|A logarithmic scale makes it easy to compare values that cover a large range, such as in this map.]]
* [[Sound level (disambiguation)|Sound level]], with the unit [[decibel]]
* [[Neper]] for amplitude, field and power quantities
* [[Frequency level]], with units [[Cent (music)|cent]], [[minor second]], [[major second]], and [[octave]] for the relative pitch of notes in [[music]]
* [[Logit]] for [[odds]] in [[statistics]]
* [[Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale]]
* Logarithmic timeline
* Counting [[f-stop]]s for ratios of [[photographic exposure]]
* The rule of nines used for rating low [[probabilities]] 
* [[Entropy]] in [[thermodynamics]]
* [[Information]] in [[information theory]]
* Particle size distribution curves of soil

[[File:Solarmap.gif|thumb|upright=1.7|right|Map of the [[Solar System]] and the distance to [[Proxima Centauri]], using a logarithmic scale and measured in [[astronomical units]].]]
The following are examples of commonly used logarithmic scales, where a larger quantity results in a lower (or negative) value:
* [[pH]] for acidity
* [[Apparent magnitude|Stellar magnitude scale]] for brightness of [[star]]s
* [[Krumbein scale]] for [[Particle size (grain size)|particle size]] in [[geology]]
* [[Absorbance]] of light by transparent samples

Some of our [[sense]]s operate in a logarithmic fashion ([[Weber–Fechner law]]), which makes logarithmic scales for these input quantities especially appropriate. In particular, our sense of [[hearing (sense)|hearing]] perceives equal ratios of frequencies as equal differences in pitch. In addition, studies of young children in an isolated tribe have shown logarithmic scales to be the most natural display of numbers in some cultures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080529141344.htm|title=Slide Rule Sense: Amazonian Indigenous Culture Demonstrates Universal Mapping Of Number Onto Space|date=2008-05-30|website=ScienceDaily|access-date=2008-05-31}}</ref> 
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