## log or ln

$E_{cell} = E_{cell}^{\circ}-\frac{RT}{nF}\ln Q$

KBELTRAMI_1E
Posts: 108
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:17 am

### log or ln

For the Nernst equation I've seen both ln and log used applied to Q and I'm confused as to which is correct or if they are used in different situations. Khan academy videos on Youtube seem to strictly use log but in lecture and discussion we've used ln.

AArmellini_1I
Posts: 107
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: log or ln

You want to use log when dealing with pH and [H+] [OH-] concentrations

Sean Cheah 1E
Posts: 105
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:20 am

### Re: log or ln

Strictly speaking, you can use either as long as you are able to calculate the Q for the reaction. It is often more convenient to use log for problems involving pH because pH = -log[H+]. Do note that that you must multiply the logarithmic term by a factor of 1/log(e) = ~2.303 when you use the log equation instead of the regular ln equation.

705302428
Posts: 50
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: log or ln

You can use either. They mean the same thing.

Asha Agarwal 1E
Posts: 51
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: log or ln

Both can be used there is just a necessary conversion factor required to convert from ln to log.

Zoe Gleason 4F
Posts: 51
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: log or ln

You can use either but the log one is more useful when you have to solve for pH or have the pH given in the question, because you are then able to leave it in log[H+] form.

Matthew ILG 1L
Posts: 112
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: log or ln

You are able to use either the log or ln, and I believe Dr. Lavelle provided an equation using each. However, he also stated that log is often preferred by scientists because pH also uses log.

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