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

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    Barometer Physics
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves comparing the heights of water and mercury columns in barometers, specifically determining the height of the water column when the mercury column is 32 inches tall. The subject area relates to fluid mechanics and density concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the density differences between mercury and water and how these differences affect the height of the columns. Some suggest considering the purpose of barometers and the relationship between pressure and column height.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of density on column height. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between atmospheric pressure and the heights of the columns, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific densities of mercury and water, and participants are encouraged to consider these factors in their reasoning. The original poster expresses a need for assistance in understanding the problem.

astru025
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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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