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Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure
The thick layer of air surrounding the Earth is called the atmosphere. The air particles in the atmosphere collide with one another and collide against the surfaces of all things. These collisions result in air pressure or atmospheric pressure.
Atmospheric pressure
Atmospheric pressure decreases with the altitude or the height above sea level.
Fortin Barometer
Aneroid Barometer
Simple Barometer
Atmospheric pressure is 76 cm mercury at sea level. The unit of air pressure is atmosphere and the air pressure near sea level is one atmosphere.
Air pressure
GAS PRESSURE AND ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE Gas pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the gas molecules as they collide with the walls of their container. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure caused by the weight of the air above us.
The factors which affect the air pressure are: (a) Volume of air (b) Temperature of air
Temperature
When the temperature is increased, the air particles gain more energy and move faster. The rate of collisions between the particles and against the walls increases. This increases the air pressure or vice versa.
Drinking Straw
When the water is sucked, the air inside the straw is sucked out. The air pressure inside the straw is reduced. The higher air pressure outside the straw forces the water to enter the straw.
Syringe
When the piston is pulled, the air pressure in the syringe decreases. The higher air pressure outside forces the liquid into the syringe. When the piston is pushed, the air pressure in the syringe increases . The higher pressure in the syringe forces the liquid to flow out.
Rubber sucker
The higher air pressure at Y presses the pump and it sticks firmly on the surface of wall. The air pressure that presses on it is enough to support light objects.
Siphon
The air pressure at P is higher. It pushes the water up the siphon to beaker Q.
Gas cylinder
When gases are compressed under high pressure, they turn into liquids. This property is used in the storage of gas in gas cylinders. A larger volume of gas can be stored in the form of liquid.
Aerosol cans
Similarly, perfumes, insecticides and paints can be stored in the form of liquids in aerosol cans.