Satellite and length of liquid column in a barometer

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of mercury in a barometer when placed in a satellite environment. It is established that in a weightless condition, the air pressure will still push down on the mercury in the cup, causing it to rise in the barometer tube. The conclusion drawn is that if the barometer is constructed like a standard barometer and contains sufficient mercury, the height of the mercury column would be approximately 1 meter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of barometric principles and fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of air pressure effects on liquid columns
  • Familiarity with the concept of weightlessness in a satellite environment
  • Basic knowledge of mercury properties and behavior in a barometer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of fluid statics in varying gravitational conditions
  • Explore the design and functionality of barometers, particularly aneroid barometers
  • Study the effects of atmospheric pressure on liquid columns in different environments
  • Investigate the properties of mercury and its applications in scientific instruments
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on fluid mechanics and atmospheric pressure, as well as educators and professionals involved in meteorology and instrumentation design.

Jahnavi
Messages
848
Reaction score
102

Homework Statement


satellite.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Mercury will be in a state of weightlessness in the satellite . The air pressure pushes down on the mercury in the cup as a result of which it rises in the barometer tube . But since it is apparently weightless , it tries to occupy as much length as possible . Hence complete tube will be filled by mercury .

So I think the height of mercury column would be 1 m .

Is that correct ?
 

Attachments

  • satellite.png
    satellite.png
    9.5 KB · Views: 897
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
If the barometer is built like a regular barometer, and if there is enough mercury: yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Jahnavi

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K