Mercury Barometer Experiment: Atmospheric Pressure

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating atmospheric pressure using a mercury barometer experiment. The experiment involves a mercury column height of 760 mm, equivalent to 1.0x10^5 Pa, and measurements of trapped air in a capillary tube. When the tube is horizontal, the air column measures 82 mm, while it compresses to 78 mm when held vertically. The key to solving the problem lies in applying Boyle's Law to relate the changes in volume and pressure of the trapped air.

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  • Understanding of Boyle's Law
  • Familiarity with atmospheric pressure concepts
  • Knowledge of basic fluid mechanics
  • Experience with pressure measurement units (mmHg, Pa)
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  • Study Boyle's Law and its applications in gas behavior
  • Research the principles of barometric pressure measurement
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on fluid mechanics and gas laws, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of atmospheric pressure measurement techniques.

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Homework Statement



Hi guys, I'm new here and I hope you can help me with this question that's been puzzling me for a good week now.

Mercury barometer of 1m with mercury column height of 760cm is equivalent to 1.0x10^5 Pa.
School experiment to find atmospheric pressure was as follows. Length of air trapped in capillary tube sealed at one end by thread of mercury. When horizontal, the length of trapped air column was 82mm and length of thread of mercury was 39mm. When tube held vertically with open end upwards, air column was squashed to 78mm.

Find value of atmospheric pressure in mm of mercury mmHg

Homework Equations



Not sure if there is one
Does P=F/A help?

The Attempt at a Solution



To be honest I really haven't had much to go in, but I can only think that gravity must be playing a part in it squashing the mercury down when it is vertical?

Any help appreciated!
 
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Hint: consider using Boyle's law.
 

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