Lesson: Atmospheric Pressure Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe atmospheric pressure using various units, including the height of a mercury column.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

describe how a column of mercury can be used to measure atmospheric pressure,
convert pressure values between values that correspond to units of pascals (Pa), atmospheres (atm), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), bar, and torr (Torr).

Q1:

The apparatus shown in the diagram is used to measure atmospheric pressure. Which of the following occupies region A of the test tube?

Q2:

A bar is a unit that is defined as being equal to Pa. Convert a pressure of 0.48 bar to a pressure in pascals.

Q3:

A torr is a unit that is defined as being equal to the pressure produced by 1 mmHg.

Convert a pressure of 455 torr to a pressure in pascals.

Convert a pressure of 455 torr to a pressure in bar.