Question

Advantages of using mercury over water as barometer fluid include:

• A. Legible and apt readings, because of the opacity of mercury.
• B. A smooth flow of mercury in the tube as it does not stick to the glass.
• C. A shorter tube length because of the high density of mercury.
• D. The abundance of mercury over water in nature.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

The correct options are
A

Legible and apt readings, because of the opacity of mercury.

B

A smooth flow of mercury in the tube as it does not stick to the glass.

C

A shorter tube length because of the high density of mercury.

There are various advantages of using mercury in barometers because:
1. Mercury has a high density which means the height of the column can be a reasonable size to measure atmospheric pressure.
2. Mercury is opaque, therefore apt readings can be taken.
3. Mercury slides easily on glass, whereas water sticks to the glass surface.

Water is the most abundant liquid on Earth. So abundance of mercury cannot be more than water.