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Logarithmic Word Problems (page 1 of 3) Sections: Log-based word problems, exponential-based word problems Logarithmic word problems are generally, in my experience, a matter of evaluating a given logarithmic equation at a given point, and solving for a given variable. On the other hand, exponential word problems tend to be much more involved, requiring, among other things, that the student first generate the exponential equation, and perhaps then find the value of one of the variables before beginning to answer the actual question. Since log problems are typically simpler, I'll start with them.
a) Suppose that you test apple juice and find that the hydrogen ion concentration is [H+] = 0.0003. Find the pH and determine whether the juice is basic or acidic. b) You test some ammonia and determine
a hydrogen ion concentration of [H+]
= In each case, I need to evaluate the pH function at the given value of [H+]. a) In the case of the apple juice, the hydrogen ion concentration is [H+] = 0.0003, so: pH = –log[H+] = –log[0.0003] = 3.52287874528... b) In the case of the ammonia, the hydrogen ion concentration is [H+] = 1.3 × 10–9, so: pH = –log[H+] = –log[1.3 × 10–9] = 8.88605664769... The juice is acidic with a pH of about
3.5,
Db = 10log[
I / I0 ]
...or 25 decibels. Considering that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage or loss, and considering that a gunshot from a .22 rimfire rifle has an intensity of about I = (2.5 ×1013)I0, should you follow the rules and wear ear protection when relaxing at the rifle range? I need to evaluate the decibel equation at I = (2.5 ×1013)I0: Db = 10log[
I / I0 ]
In other words, my rifle creates a noise level of about 134 decibels. Since this is well above the level at which I can suffer hearing damage, I should follow the rules and wear ear protection.
You have a seismograph set up at home, and see that there was an event while you were out that had an intensity of I = 989I0. Given that a heavy truck rumbling by can cause a microquake with a Richter rating of 3 or 3.5, and "moderate" quakes have a Richter rating of 4 or more, what was likely the event that occurred while you were out? To determine the probable event, I need to convert the intensity to a Richter rating by evaluating the Richter function at I = 989I0: R = log[ I /
I0 ] A Richter rating of about 3 is not a high enough rating to have been a moderate quake; the event was probably just a big truck going too fast over the speed humps in my neighborhood. A closely-related class of exercises involve exponential equations.... Top | 1 | 2 | 3 | Return to Index Next >>
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