Chapter 13, Problem 3A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

After describing the mercury barometer, the use of this barometer to measure the pressure of the atmosphere have to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Earth is surrounded by the extended atmosphere. The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is called the pressure of the atmosphere.

Answer to Problem 3A

Torricelli was the first to exhibit that atmosphere exerted pressure by discovering the barometer. A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. He designed this instrument by inverting the glass tube and placed in a dish of mercury. The open end was below the surface of the mercury in the dish.

In barometers a glass tube is used for the experiment. The height of the mercury in the tube increases by the upward force exerted by the atmospheric gas. The pressure can be measured from the rise of the mercury level in the tube. The extent of rise in mercury level inside the tube is equal to the pressure exerted by the atmosphere.

Explanation of Solution

Torricelli was the first to exhibit that atmosphere exerted pressure by discovering the barometer. A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. He designed this instrument by inverting the glass tube and placed in a dish of mercury. The open end was below the surface of the mercury in the dish.

  

In barometers a glass tube is used for the experiment. The height of the mercury in the tube increases by the upward force exerted by the atmospheric gas. The pressure can be measured from the rise of the mercury level in the tube. The extent of rise in mercury level inside the tube is equal to the pressure exerted by the atmosphere.