Barometer
Explore how mercury barometers measure atmospheric pressure
1
2
3
4
5
Step 1 of 5: Fill
Measurements
Column Height0.0 cm
Tube Length100.0 cm
Fluid Density13,546 kg/m³
Gravity (g)9.8 m/s²
Pressure at B (atm.)101.3 kPa
Pressure at A (column)0.0 kPa
Preparing the Barometer
A barometer is a device that measures atmospheric pressure - the weight of air pressing down on us. To build a mercury barometer, we start by filling a glass tube completely with mercury.
It's crucial that no air bubbles remain in the tube. The tube must be completely full of mercury before we invert it.