Barometer Planet: How a Barometer Works

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    Barometer Works
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning of a barometer, specifically focusing on how atmospheric pressure influences the movement of mercury within the tube. Participants explore the underlying principles of pressure and fluid dynamics in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question what causes mercury to rise in the tube and whether atmospheric pressure is responsible for this phenomenon.
  • One participant suggests that if the entire barometer were in a vacuum, the mercury would not rise, indicating the necessity of atmospheric pressure for the mercury's movement.
  • Another participant posits that air pressure on the mercury in the basin pushes the mercury up into the tube, drawing a parallel to the mechanics of drinking through a straw.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the role of atmospheric pressure in the functioning of the barometer, but there are varying levels of detail and understanding regarding the mechanics involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of pressure and fluid dynamics are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the intricacies of how these forces interact in the context of a barometer.

Misr
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[PLAIN]http://www.barometerplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/merc_barometer.jpg

What makes mercury rise in the tube?Does atmospheric pressure carries the mercury in the tube?Is that true?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Misr said:
[PLAIN]http://www.barometerplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/merc_barometer.jpg

What makes mercury rise in the tube?Does atmospheric pressure carries the mercury in the tube?Is that true?

Think about what would happen if the whole thermometer were in vacuum. The mercury would have no reason to climb the tube; it would just pool at the bottom. Vacuum inside, vacuum outside.

Now, push down a little bit on the mercury outside the tube. It's going to rise up the tube a little.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah,so air pushes on the mercury in this basin,(or whatever it is called)and the mercury in turn pushes up on the mercury of the tube
 
Misr said:
Yeah,so air pushes on the mercury in this basin,(or whatever it is called)and the mercury in turn pushes up on the mercury of the tube

Right. That's also why you can drink through a straw.
 
Ok thanks
 

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