Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsFluid Mechanics
Let P₁ denote the pressure at the surface of the mercury inside a barometer tube, while P₂ represents the pressure at the mercury surface in the cup.
Options
- AP₁ = 0 , P₂ = atmospheric pressure
- BP₁ = atmospheric pressure, P₂ = 0
- CP₁ = P₂ = atmospheric pressure
- DP₁ = P₂ = 0
Correct answer
A. P₁ = 0 , P₂ = atmospheric pressure
Step-by-step solution
In a mercury barometer, the space above the mercury column inside the closed tube is a vacuum (known as Torricellian vacuum). Therefore, the pressure at the surface of the mercury inside the tube is zero, giving P₁ = 0 . The surface of the mercury in the cup is open and exposed to the atmosphere. Therefore, the pressure at this surface is equal to the atmospheric pressure, giving P₂ = atmospheric pressure.