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Understanding Barometers: How Do They Measure Pressure?
Chapter 13, Problem 104(choose chapter or problem)
A widely used weather instrument called a barometer can be built from a long, thin tube of glass that is sealed at one end. The tube is completely filled with mercury and then inverted into a small pool of mercury. The level of mercury inside the tube drops initially but then stabilizes at some height. A measure of the height of the column of mercury once it stabilizes is a measure of pressure in mm Hg (or torr). Which of the following is the best explanation of how this barometer works?
a. Air pressure outside the tube (pressure of the atmosphere) counterbalances the weight of the mercury inside the tube.
b. Air pressure inside the tube causes the mercury to move in the tube until the air pressure inside and outside the tube are equal.
c. Air pressure outside the tube causes the mercury to move in the tube until the air pressure inside and outside the tube are equal.
d. The vacuum that is formed at the top of the tube of mercury (once the mercury level in the tube has dropped some) holds up the mercury.
e. I have no idea how a barometer works.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
A widely used weather instrument called a barometer can be built from a long, thin tube of glass that is sealed at one end. The tube is completely filled with mercury and then inverted into a small pool of mercury. The level of mercury inside the tube drops initially but then stabilizes at some height. A measure of the height of the column of mercury once it stabilizes is a measure of pressure in mm Hg (or torr). Which of the following is the best explanation of how this barometer works?
a. Air pressure outside the tube (pressure of the atmosphere) counterbalances the weight of the mercury inside the tube.
b. Air pressure inside the tube causes the mercury to move in the tube until the air pressure inside and outside the tube are equal.
c. Air pressure outside the tube causes the mercury to move in the tube until the air pressure inside and outside the tube are equal.
d. The vacuum that is formed at the top of the tube of mercury (once the mercury level in the tube has dropped some) holds up the mercury.
e. I have no idea how a barometer works.
ANSWER:Step 1 of 4
The barometer is an instrument that governs ideas about atmospheric pressure and altitude. The barometer is filled with mercury elements and the mercury level denotes the atmospheric pressure.
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Understanding Barometers: How Do They Measure Pressure?
Want To Learn More? To watch the entire video and ALL of the videos in the series:
Join us in this enlightening video as we delve into the inner workings of barometers. Discover how these essential weather instruments operate, using a column of mercury to measure pressure. We'll explore the principles behind this ingenious device and help you understand the science behind pressure measurement. Whether you're a weather enthusiast or a science lover, this video will provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of barometers.