Falling Barometer Mercury Level Height

  • Thread starter Himanshu
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Height
In summary, a falling barometer is a device that measures air pressure using a glass tube filled with mercury. Changes in air pressure can indicate changes in weather, with a drop in air pressure typically signaling the arrival of a low pressure system and stormy weather. Mercury is used in falling barometers because of its density and high surface tension, and the height of the mercury is typically measured in inches, millimeters, or millibars. While a falling barometer can be a useful tool for predicting weather changes, it is not always accurate and should be used in conjunction with other forecasting methods.
  • #1
Himanshu
67
0
What would be the height of the mercury level in a Mercury barometer if that barometer is falling freely?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A mercury barometer in freefall doesn't show air pressure because the column of mercury has no weight. So the height of the mercury is the height of the tube.
 
  • #3


The height of the mercury level in a Mercury barometer would not be affected by its falling motion. The height of the mercury level is determined by atmospheric pressure, not the movement of the barometer. Therefore, the height of the mercury level would remain the same regardless of whether the barometer is falling freely or not.
 

1. What is a falling barometer?

A falling barometer is a device used to measure air pressure. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury, with one end sealed and the other end open. The open end is placed in a container of mercury, and as the air pressure changes, the level of mercury in the tube rises or falls.

2. How does a falling barometer indicate changes in weather?

A falling barometer can indicate changes in weather because air pressure is directly related to the weather. When air pressure drops, it usually means that a low pressure system is moving in, which typically brings cloudy and stormy weather. Conversely, when air pressure rises, it indicates a high pressure system and usually means clear and calm weather.

3. Why is mercury used in falling barometers?

Mercury is used in falling barometers because it is a dense liquid that is not affected by changes in temperature. This allows for accurate and consistent measurements of air pressure. Additionally, mercury has a high surface tension, which allows it to rise and fall smoothly in the tube without breaking into droplets.

4. What units are used to measure the height of the mercury in a falling barometer?

The height of the mercury in a falling barometer is typically measured in inches, millimeters, or millibars. In the United States, inches of mercury (inHg) is the most commonly used unit, while millibars (mb) are more commonly used in other parts of the world.

5. How accurate is a falling barometer in predicting weather?

A falling barometer can be a good indicator of weather changes, but it is not always accurate. Other factors, such as wind patterns and temperature, can also affect weather patterns. Additionally, a falling barometer may only indicate short-term changes in weather, rather than long-term trends. It is important to use a combination of weather forecasting tools and techniques for the most accurate predictions.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
793
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
889
  • Classical Physics
Replies
27
Views
3K
Replies
32
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top