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In the mercury barometer, atmospheric pressure balances a column of mercury, the height of which can be precisely measured. Other liquids can be used in barometers, but mercury is the most common because of its great density.
Mainly due to its high density

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14y ago
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5mo ago

Mercury is used in barometers because it is a dense liquid at room temperature, making it ideal for measuring atmospheric pressure. Its high density allows for a clear and precise reading of pressure changes, as the column of mercury inside the barometer moves up and down in response to changes in air pressure. Mercury also does not adhere to glass, allowing for an accurate indication of pressure levels.

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14y ago

In the mercury barometer, atmospheric pressure balances a column of mercury, the height of which can be precisely measured. Other liquids can be used in barometers, but mercury is the most common because of its great density (13.6 g/cm3). With a mercury barometer the column of fluid is only 760 mm high at normal atmopheric pressure, with water (with a much lower density of 1 g/cm3) it would have to be almost 10 m tall.

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14y ago

Mercury is used in barometers due to its high density. This allows mercury to be used in a small container. If you used water for example, which has a low density, your barometer would have to be around 15-34 meters tall.

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Q: Why is Mercury used in barometers?
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Related questions

What barometers are there?

There are two types of barometers, Mercury barometers and then Aenroid barometers.


What element is a liquid metal used in barometers?

mercury


Which type of barometer is most commonly used today?

Mercury barometers and aneroid barometers are the most commonly used types today. Mercury barometers use a column of mercury to measure atmospheric pressure, while aneroid barometers use a small, flexible metal box to detect changes in pressure.


How are the Mercury and aneroid barometers alike?

mercury barometers and aneroid barometers both measure air pressure.


What instrument uses Mercury?

Historical, both thermometers and barometers have used mercury.


Why are barometers often more practical than mercury barometers?

They are more portable and can be used for airplane equipment


What are 2 types of barometers?

Mercury and aneroid barometers.


Why aneroid barometer is more advantages than mercury barometer?

Aneroid barometers are advantageous because they are safer to use compared to mercury barometers which contain toxic mercury. Aneroid barometers are also more portable, durable, and do not require periodic maintenance like mercury barometers do. Additionally, aneroid barometers are less prone to breakage and are not affected by temperature changes like mercury barometers.


Types of Barometers?

The two common types of barometers are mercury barometers, which use the height of mercury in a column to measure atmospheric pressure, and aneroid barometers, which utilize a flexible metal membrane to detect and measure pressure changes without using liquid. Digital barometers are also becoming more popular, using electronic sensors to measure pressure.


Does barometers contain Mercury?

Many do, but not all. Most barometers that people would have in their homes are aneroid barometers, which don't contain any mercury.


What element is used for barometers?

Mercury is commonly used in barometers due to its high density and ability to accurately measure air pressure. However, due to its toxicity, alternatives such as water, oil, or electronic sensors are often used now.


Is a liquid metal used in barometers?

No, liquid mercury is typically used in barometers. Liquid mercury is dense and easily responds to changes in atmospheric pressure, making it an ideal choice for use in barometers to measure air pressure.