In a barometer, if we replaced the mercury with alcohol and water?

In summary, replacing mercury with alcohol and water in a barometer does not significantly affect its accuracy, but the scale would need to be recalibrated. It is safe to use alcohol and water in a barometer, and the main benefit is safety. The readings on a barometer will be different when using alcohol and water, but the overall accuracy is not affected. Alcohol and water can be used in most types of barometers, but adjustments may need to be made to the design and scale.
  • #1
shangriphysics
32
1
In a barometer, assuming bernoulie properties(incompressible fluid) if we replaced the mercury with alcohol and water why would the alcohol be able to be displaced further with pressure. It has a lower density that water 800kg/m^3 than water which has 1000kg/m3.

What chemical properties or properties due to density would give us the result where alcohol can be moved up further when we apply the same pressure.
 
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  • #2
What is the pressure at the bottom of a liquid column of a height h and a density ρ?
 

1. How does replacing mercury with alcohol and water affect the accuracy of a barometer?

Replacing mercury with alcohol and water in a barometer does not significantly affect its accuracy. Both mercury and alcohol are dense liquids that are commonly used in barometers because they can accurately measure changes in atmospheric pressure. However, the scale on the barometer would need to be recalibrated to account for the difference in density between mercury and alcohol.

2. Is it safe to use alcohol and water in a barometer instead of mercury?

Yes, it is safe to use alcohol and water in a barometer instead of mercury. Unlike mercury, alcohol and water are not toxic and are commonly used in other scientific instruments. However, it is important to use pure alcohol and distilled water to ensure accurate measurements.

3. What are the benefits of using alcohol and water in a barometer over mercury?

The main benefit of using alcohol and water in a barometer over mercury is safety. Mercury is a toxic substance that can be harmful if accidentally spilled or ingested. Additionally, alcohol and water are less expensive and more readily available than mercury, making them a more practical option.

4. Will the readings on a barometer be the same if we replace mercury with alcohol and water?

No, the readings on a barometer will not be the same if we replace mercury with alcohol and water. As mentioned before, the scale on the barometer would need to be recalibrated to account for the difference in density between the two substances. This means that the readings would be different, but the overall accuracy of the instrument would not be affected.

5. Can alcohol and water be used in any type of barometer?

Yes, alcohol and water can be used in most types of barometers, including mercury barometers, aneroid barometers, and digital barometers. However, the specific design and scale of each type of barometer may need to be adjusted to accommodate the use of alcohol and water instead of mercury.

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