Manometer

The open-tube manometer is a device for measuring pressure. It is a U-shaped tube, partially filled with Mercury. We can find the atmospheric pressure by finding the difference in the heights of the liquid in each 'branch' of the tube. The pressure is related to the difference by the formula:

P = P₀ + ρgh

where P₀ is atmospheric pressure and ρ is the density of Mercury at whatever temperature you are performing the measurement at. ρgh is known as the guage pressure, obviously the difference between atmospheric pressure and P. However, often only the difference in heights is given, in a unit known as millimetres of Mercury (mm-Hg). This unit of measure is also known as the torr, after 17th century chemist, Evangelista Torricelli. The SI unit of measure of pressure is the Pascal or Newtons per metre.

Ma*nom"e*ter (?), n. [Gr. thin, rare + -meter: cf. F. manometre.]

An instrument for measuring the tension or elastic force of gases, steam, etc., constructed usually on the principle of allowing the gas to exert its elastic force in raising a column of mercury in an open tube, or in compressing a portion of air or other gas in a closed tube with mercury or other liquid intervening, or in bending a metallic or other spring so as to set in motion an index; a pressure gauge. See Pressure, and Illust. of Air pump.

 

© Webster 1913.