Question Detail

PHY 101 Last Min Prep Objective Question
Take CBT

Question

Mercury is used in a barometer, though it is relatively costly. Why cannot we use water in place of mercury?
Options
A The height will be too large.
Correct Answer
B The height will be too small.
C It will not be clear to read off.
D It will not last for long.
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Atmospheric pressure can support a column of mercury about 76 cm high. Since mercury is 13.6 times denser than water, a water barometer would need to be about 13.6 × 0.76 m ≈ 10.3 m high, which is impractical.

Hint

Height of liquid column supported by atmospheric pressure is inversely proportional to density.

Question Info

Course: PHY 101
Topic: Last Min Prep
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1245 of 1250
Previous Course Details Next