volume_mute
Calculating pressure from mercury height
publish date: 2026/05/19 19:27:56.617432 UTC
volume_mute
The density of mercury is 13,600 kg/m³, so its weight density is 133,000 N/m³. Using the formula pressure = depth × weight density, calculate the pressure exerted by a 76 cm (0.76 m) column of mercury. Select the correct value.
Correct Answer
1.01 × 10⁵ N/m²
Explanation
Pressure = depth × weight density = 0.76 m × 133,000 N/m³ = 101,080 N/m², which rounds to 1.01 × 10⁵ N/m². This confirms that a 76 cm column of mercury exerts the same pressure as standard atmospheric pressure at sea level.
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide