Does the Diameter of a Barometer Tube Affect the Height of the Mercury Column?

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The diameter of a barometer tube does not affect the height of the mercury column as long as the inner diameter remains consistent. The key factor influencing the column height is the pressure at the bottom of the column, not the tube's diameter. Changes in diameter, whether tapering or stepped, do not alter the mercury height. The discussion emphasizes that pressure is the sole determinant for the column height. Understanding this principle is crucial for accurate barometric measurements.
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I am curious if the height of the Mercury column inside a Toricellian Mercury Barometer be the same if we use a tapering / stepped (unequal inner diameter [ID]) glass tube as depicted in the image below instead of a regular constant ID one?

Note: I know that the ID of a barometer tube does not affect the Mercury column height as long as the ID of the tube remains the same.

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The only relevant thing is the pressure at the bottom of the column, i.e., the height of the column. Whether the diameter changes or not is irrelevant.
 
Orodruin said:
The only relevant thing is the pressure at the bottom of the column, i.e., the height of the column. Whether the diameter changes or not is irrelevant.

Thank you for the quick clarification. Physics Forums rocks :smile:
 
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