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Grade 12Mechanics

what will be the leangth of the mercury column in a barometer tube when the atmospheric pressure is 75 cm of mercury and the tube is inclined at an angle 60 degree with the horizontal direction

Profile image of RAUNAQ SINGH
8 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the length of the mercury column in a barometer tube when the atmospheric pressure is 75 cm of mercury and the tube is inclined at an angle of 60 degrees, we can use some basic principles of physics related to pressure and fluid mechanics.

Understanding the Basics

First, let's clarify what we know. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, and in this case, it indicates a pressure equivalent to a 75 cm column of mercury when the tube is vertical. When the tube is inclined, the effective height of the mercury column changes due to the angle of inclination.

Calculating the Effective Height

When the barometer is tilted, the height of the mercury column can be calculated using trigonometry. The actual height of the mercury column (h) in a vertical position is 75 cm. However, when the tube is inclined at an angle (θ), the height of the mercury column along the tube (L) can be found using the sine function:

  • h = 75 cm (the height of the mercury column when vertical)
  • θ = 60 degrees (the angle of inclination)

The relationship between the vertical height and the length of the mercury column in the inclined tube is given by:

L = h / sin(θ)

Applying the Formula

Now, substituting the values into the formula:

  • h = 75 cm
  • θ = 60 degrees, so sin(60 degrees) = √3/2 ≈ 0.866

Now, we can calculate L:

L = 75 cm / (√3/2) = 75 cm / 0.866 ≈ 86.6 cm

Final Result

Thus, when the barometer tube is inclined at an angle of 60 degrees, the length of the mercury column in the tube will be approximately 86.6 cm. This demonstrates how the angle of inclination affects the measurement of pressure in a fluid column.

Real-World Application

This principle is not just theoretical; it has practical implications in various fields, including meteorology and engineering. Understanding how pressure changes with inclination helps in designing instruments and interpreting atmospheric data accurately.