Chapter 10, Problem 1CE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Among the units $1\text{atm,}\text{1}\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg,}\text{1}\text{torr,}\text{1}\text{cm}\text{Hg},1\text{mm}\text{Hg,}$ or $1\text{psi}$, the one that expresses the greatest gas pressure is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Metric system is a measurement system which has units of meter, liter, and gram as the units for measuring length, volume and mass. Several countries have resisted adoption of the metric system as a universal system of measurement. In science, measurements are regularly recorded in metric units. SI system is an extension of the metric system and has seven base units.

Answer to Problem 1CE

The greatest gas pressure is expressed by $1\text{atm}$.

Explanation of Solution

The units of pressure include atmosphere $\left(\text{atm}\right)$, inches of mercury $\left(\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg}\right)$, millimeters of mercury $\left(\text{mm}\text{Hg}\right)$, centimeters of mercury $\left(\text{cm}\text{Hg}\right)$, torr, pounds per square inch $\left(\text{psi}\right)$ and kilopascal $\left(\text{kPa}\right)$.

The relation between these units is shown below.

$\begin{array}{l}1\text{atm}=760\text{torr}\\ 1\text{atm}=29.9\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg}\\ 29.9\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg}=760\text{mm}\text{Hg}\\ 29.9\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg}=14.7\text{psi}\end{array}$

$29.9\text{in}\text{.}\text{Hg}=101\text{kPa}$

Therefore, an atmosphere is found to be the largest unit and the greatest gas pressure is $1\text{atm}$.

Conclusion

One atm expresses the greatest gas pressure.