Prove the relationship between kPa and mmHg?

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SUMMARY

The relationship between pressure in kilopascals (kPa) and millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is established as 760 mmHg equating to 101.35 kPa. This conversion can be proven mathematically using the density of mercury (13.6 g/cm³) and the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The conversion involves calculating the pressure exerted by a column of mercury that is 760 mm high over a one square meter area. A common mistake noted in the discussion is the incorrect definition of Pascal (Pa), which is clarified as 1 Pa = 1 kg/m·s².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pressure units: kPa and mmHg
  • Knowledge of fluid density, specifically mercury density (13.6 g/cm³)
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts, including gravity (9.8 m/s²)
  • Mathematical skills for unit conversion and pressure calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of pressure formulas using fluid statics
  • Learn about unit conversions between different pressure units, including atm, mmHg, and kPa
  • Explore the implications of pressure in various scientific fields, such as chemistry and physics
  • Review common mistakes in unit definitions and conversions in scientific calculations
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding pressure conversions and fluid mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

Cathmore
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I suppose this is more of a math question, but it's a bonus question in my chemistry upgrade class.

Homework Statement


Prove the relationship 760mmHg=101.35kPa mathematically, by using conversion factors.

Homework Equations


1 Pa=1 kgm/s2 (No it doesn't?...)
density of Hg=13.6g/cm3
acceleration due to gravity=9.8m/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'll be honest, my mind is totally blanking on this, I know my math skills should be able to handle this no problem, but it feels like all my math skills have ran away for the summer. I mean yeah I can convert 101.35kPa into an area using gravity I guess, but I'm not sure what that tells me. While telling me how to get the answer would be great, I'd even be happy with a hint at where to get start.
 
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You have a column of mercury sitting on a one meter by one meter square that is 760 mm high. What is the pressure on that square in kPa?
 
This question was a lot easier than it felt at the time, just stepped entirely away from chemistry for a bit and looked at it as a math problem, what you said helped me get into the right mindset. I even got an extra mark for pointing out the mistake in the problem. (1 Pa equals 1kg/s2m, not 1kgm/s2)
 

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