Chapter 6, Problem 6.1VP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Three figures of barometers in which the centre one is located at the sea level are shown. The barometer that is most likely to reflect the atmospheric pressure in Denver, $\text{CO}$, where the elevation is approximately $\text{1500}\text{m}$ is to depicted and the reason behind the depiction is to be stated.

Concept introduction: There occurs variation in pressure from one place to another. Different units are used for representing the pressure. The unit $\text{atm}$ supports the Mercury column that is $\text{760}\text{m}$ in height in the barometer.

To determine: The barometer that is most likely to reflect the atmospheric pressure in Denver, $\text{CO}$, where the elevation is approximately $\text{1500}\text{m}$ and the reason behind the depiction.

Answer to Problem 6.1VP

Solution

The figure (a) is therefore, the correct option.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation

The graph representing the variation of atmospheric pressure at different locations on the surface of the earth that has relation with the mass of the air in column present above that location is shown as,

Figure 1

According to the graph, it is observed that with increasing altitude, there occurs a decrease in the mass of the air present above a given area. If mass becomes less it means that the chances of collisions are very less and if the collision will not occur then the force exerted by air will be small.

Therefore, the figure that represents the decrease in column is most likely to reflect the atmospheric pressure in Denver, $\text{CO}$, where the elevation is approximately $\text{1500}\text{m}$. The figure (a) is therefore, the correct option.

Conclusion

The figure that represents the decrease in column is most likely to reflect the atmospheric pressure in Denver, $\text{CO}$, where the elevation is approximately $\text{1500}\text{m}$