A flask containing helium gas is connected to an open-ended mercury manometer. The open end is exposed to the atmosphere, where the prevailing pressure is 752 torr. The mercury level in the open arm is 26 mm above that in the arm connected to the flask of helium. What is the helium pressure, in torr?

Question

Chemistry

Randall Ashley

12 April, 20:03

A flask containing helium gas is connected to an open-ended mercury manometer. The open end is exposed to the atmosphere, where the prevailing pressure is 752 torr. The mercury level in the open arm is 26 mm above that in the arm connected to the flask of helium. What is the helium pressure, in torr?

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Answers (1)

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Laurel Henry · Answer 1

726 torr

Explanation:

Generally, atmospheric pressure can be measured using a manometer which is in form of a U-shaped tube. In addition, 1 mm Hg is equivalent to 1 torr. Therefore, 752 torr is equivalent to 752 mm Hg. Therefore, the total pressure will be equivalent to the atmospheric pressure (mm Hg) + the mercury height.

In this case, the mercury height = - 26 mm

Thus:

The helium pressure = 752 - 26 = 726 mm Hg

This is also equivalent to 726 torr