Chem II Q2 Week 11 C.W1: Pressure
1. Why does a gas in a closed container exert pressure?
The pressure increase is caused by the increase in the number of collisions of
molecules of air with the inside walls.
2. What is the relationship between the area a force is applied to and the
resulting pressure?
the same force applied to a smaller area results in a greater pressure
3. What is a barometer?
A barometer is a scientific instrument which is used in a certain setting to measure air pressure.
The pattern of pressure will predict short-term changes in the weather. In surface weather
research several measures of air pressure are used to help locate surface troughs, pressure
systems and frontal boundaries.
4. Why does a column of mercury in a tube that is inverted in a dish of
mercury have a height of about 760 mm at sea level?
The column is stopped because the atmosphere exerts a pressure on the surface of the mercury
outside the tube