1. Introduction to Barometers

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does a barometer measure?

   Hint

   Think about what weight the air exerts.

2. 2.

   What is gauge pressure?

   Hint

   It doesn't include atmospheric effects.

3. 3.

   What does a barometer primarily measure?

   • Wind Speed
   • Atmospheric Pressure
   • Temperature

   Hint

   Consider the function of a barometer.

4. 4.

   True or False: Gauge pressure includes atmospheric pressure.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Reflect on what gauge pressure represents.

5. 5.

   Consider a column of mercury measuring 700 mm in a barometer. How much pressure does this equate to in Pascals? What if this same pressure is measured subsequently in water, how high would the column be?

   Hint

   Convert between mercury and water with suitable density ratios.

6. 6.

   Given a pressure vessel reading 650 kPa using water and needing to convert that to mercury for effective readings. What would be the height of mercury and what implications does this have for pressure measurement accuracy?

   Hint

   Compare mercury density to that of water for accurate pressure readings.