What is the difference between log scale. and plotting logarithms?
I find plots in scientific literature beyond confusing. I understand quite clearly the difference between a linear and a logarithmic scale, and when each is desirable. Suppose we are plotting values for the equation
If the points in x vary over several orders of magnitude, a log scale is useful to capture all the points. However, quite often a log scale will be used, and the x axis will be labeled as , particularly in engineering literature.
Is this even correct, or just sloppy notation to indicate that a is being used? For instance, if I read a value on the scale itself, is this not representing just x, instead of ?
Finally, how does plotting , and keeping the scale linear, differ from plotting the raw value of x on a logarithmic scale? In the first case, to understand the data visually, I have to somehow be able to exponentiate each x value in my mind, while in the second case there is no work to be done.
Finally, a common phrase when using a scale is "the paper is taking the log". What does this even mean?