Hydrostatics, Length of a mercury column

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The length of the mercury column in a barometer tube inclined at 60° with an atmospheric pressure of 75 cm of mercury is calculated using the equation l = h / sinϑ. The initial calculation yielded 87.2 cm, but the correct answer is 86.6 cm, emphasizing the importance of using more significant figures during intermediate calculations. Rounding should only occur at the final step to ensure accuracy in results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pascal's Law
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Familiarity with significant figures in calculations
  • Basic principles of hydrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Pascal's Law in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about significant figures and their importance in scientific calculations
  • Explore trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Investigate the principles of barometers and atmospheric pressure measurement
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on fluid mechanics and hydrostatics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of barometric pressure calculations.

Ishraq Begum
Messages
13
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


What will be the length of mercury column in a barometer tube, when the atmospheric pressure is 75 cm of mercury and the tube is inclined at an angle of 60° with the horizontal direction?

Homework Equations


Pascal's Law

The Attempt at a Solution


l ⋅ sinϑ = h
l = h / sinϑ
l = h / sin 60
l = 75 / 0.86
l = 87.2
but the correct answer given in the textbook is 86.6
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use more significant figures for intermediate calculations. Only round results at the end.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ishraq Begum

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K