Barometer Help: Finding Water Column Height with Mercury Column at 32 inches

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    Barometer Physics
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the height of a water column based on a mercury column measuring 32 inches. It is established that mercury has a higher density than water, which implies that the water column will be taller than 32 inches. The relationship between the heights of the two columns can be derived using the principles of barometry and the densities of the fluids involved. The relevant equation connects height, density, and pressure, allowing for the calculation of the water column's height when the density of water is known.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of barometric principles
  • Knowledge of fluid density, specifically mercury and water
  • Familiarity with the equation relating height, density, and pressure
  • Basic physics concepts related to atmospheric pressure
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equation for hydrostatic pressure in barometers
  • Research the densities of mercury and water for accurate calculations
  • Explore the applications of barometers in measuring atmospheric pressure
  • Learn about the relationship between fluid density and column height in different fluids
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on fluid mechanics and barometric principles, as well as educators seeking to explain the concepts of pressure and density in practical applications.

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Homework Statement



Two barometers are made with water and mercury. If the mercury column is 32 in. tall, how tall is the water column?

Homework Equations



Not sure where to begin with this question. Someone please help!

The Attempt at a Solution


Need help really bad.
 
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Well, do mercury and water have the same density? Which column do you expect would be taller?
 
astru025 said:

Homework Statement



Two barometers are made with water and mercury. If the mercury column is 32 in. tall, how tall is the water column?

Homework Equations



Not sure where to begin with this question. Someone please help!

The Attempt at a Solution


Need help really bad.
Ask yourself these questions, it will give you ideas about this question:
What are barometers used for?...what do mercury and water have in different in relevance to this question?
 
Mercury has a higher density so the water column will be higher. This doesn't really help me much though
 
Usually barometers are used to measure the atm. so if you know it,then you can use the equation to calculate the height of water if you know the density of water. Not so difficult. :)

EDIT:Do you know the equation relating height density and all that.If you have studied barometers you should know it.
 
astru025 said:
Mercury has a higher density so the water column will be higher. This doesn't really help me much though
Are you sure about that? What is the density of mercury relative to the density of water?
If a constant pressure P supports a mercury column 32 in. tall, don't you think that the height of the mercury column is somehow related to how dense mercury is?
 

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