# Change in fluid levels in a manometer given a pressure change

1. Nov 23, 2008

### rubytuesday

I have a test tomorrow and I've tried this problem a million times and it won't come out! I got it right when I turned it in, but I cannot for the life of me remember what I did! Help!

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A manometer using oil (density 0.86 g/cm^3) as a fluid is connected to an air tank. Suddenly the pressure in the tank increases by 0.83 cm Hg.
a) How much does the fluid level rise in the side of the manometer that is open to the atmosphere?

2. Relevant equations
P2= P1 + $$\rho$$gh

3. The attempt at a solution
I've tried a couple of ways:
$$\rho$$gh = P2 - P1
Assuming that P1 is atmospheric pressure, so = 10^5 Pa
(0.00086 kg)(9.8 m/s)(h) = (0.00086)(9.8 m/s)(0.0083 kg/m^2*) - 10^5
= -1.19 e7 m so -1.19 e5 cm? definitely very wrong.

I kind of remember using the mercury with the equation at some point, so I tried playing with that but it didn't come out then, either. Also, I think the gravity is supposed to cancel out somewhere.

PHg = (13.6 g/cm3)(9.8 m/s)(h) = Poil = (0.86)(9.8)(0.83)
Gravity cancels out, so
13.6h = (0.86)(0.83)
h = 19.05 m
Then I thought maybe I could plug that in somewhere, but I can't figure out where.

I'm frustrated and freaking out. Help!