What forces determine how high mercury rises in a barometer?

1 Answer
Paul Andrew S.
Jul 15, 2016

Atmospheric pressure.

Explanation:

Imagine a column of air 150 miles high, that is pressing down on the Mercury pushing it up the tube. If the air is moving up then the force on the Mercury is less so it sinks lower in the tube. If the air is moving down then the force on the Mercury is higher so it rises up the tube.

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