1. The problem is to evaluate $\log 3$, which usually means the logarithm of 3 in base 10 if no base is specified. 2. Recall the definition: $\log_b a$ is the exponent to which we must raise $b$ to get $a$. Here, $b=10$ and $a=3$. 3. Since $3$ is not a power of 10, we use a calculator or logarithm tables to find $\log 3 \approx 0.4771$. 4. Therefore, the value of $\log 3$ is approximately $0.4771$. Final answer: $\boxed{0.4771}$