Logarithmic Scales: A Useful Example

Logarithmic intensity scales are widely encountered in astronomy (star magnitudes), acoustics (decibels), seismology (the Richter scale), and elsewhere. Yet students often have difficulty mastering the concept of logarithmic scales. With this note, I am calling attention to a case of the application of a logarithmic scale to something that is simple, transparent, and widely understood. The simplicity of the example is such that it will allow the merits and use of logarithmic scales to be more easily grasped by students. The understanding of this simple logarithmic scale can then be applied to the comparison of sound intensities.