Chapter 4 Pressure in Fluids and Atmospheric Pressure

Exercise(A)

1.Define the term thrust. State its S.I. unit.

Solution
Thrust is the force acting normally on a surface.
Its S.I. unit is 'Newton'.

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2.What is meant by pressure? State its S.I. unit.
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Solution
Pressure is the thrust per unit area of the surface.
Its S.I. unit is 'Newton per metre2' or 'Pascal'.
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3. (a)What physical quantity is measured in bar?

(b)How is the unit bar related to the S.I. unit Pascal?
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Solution
(a) Pressure is measured in 'bar'.
(b) 1 bar = 105 Pascal.

4.Define one Pascal (Pa), the S.I. unit of pressure.

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Solution
One Pascal is the pressure exerted on a surface of area 1 m2 by a force
of 1N acting normally on it.
5.State whether thrust is a scalar or vector?

Solution
Thrust is a vector quantity.

6.State whether pressure is a scalar or vector?

Solution
Pressure is a scalar quantity.

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7.Differentiate between thrust and pressure.
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Solution
Thrust is the force applied on a surface in a perpendicular direction
and it is a vector quantity. The effect of thrust per unit area is
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pressure, and it is a scalar quantity.

8. How does the pressure exerted by thrust depend on the area of

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surface on which it acts? Explain with a suitable example.

Solution
Pressure exerted by thrust is inversely proportional to area of surface
on which it acts. Thus, larger the area on which the thrust acts, lesser
is the pressure exerted by it.
Example: If we stand on loose sand, our feet sink into the sand, but if
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we lie on that sand, our body does not sink into the sand. In both the
cases, the thrust exerted on the sand is equal (equal to the weight of
the body). However, when we lie on sand, the thrust acts on a large
area and when we stand, the same thrust acts on a small area.
9.Why is the tip of an all pin made sharp?

Solution
The tip of an all pin is made sharp so that large pressure is exerted at
the sharp end and it can be driven into with less effort.

10.Explain the following statements:

(a) It is easier to cut with a sharp knife than with a blunt one.
(b) Sleepers are laid below the rails.

Solution
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(a) It is easier to cut with a sharp knife because even a small thrust
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causes great pressure at the edges and cutting can be done with less
effort.
(b) Wide wooden sleepers are placed below the railway tracks so that
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the pressure exerted by the rails on the ground becomes less.

11.What is a fluid?
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Solution
A substance which can flow is called a fluid.

12.What do you mean by the term fluid pressure?

Solution
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Due to its weight, a fluid exerts pressure in all directions; the pressure
exerted by the fluid is called fluid pressure.

13.How does the pressure exerted by a solid and fluid differ?

Solution
A solid exerts pressure only on the surface on which it is placed, i.e.
at its bottom, but a fluid exerts pressure at all points in all directions.
14.Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate that a liquid
enclosed in a vessel exerts pressure in all directions.

Solution
Take a can or large plastic bottle filled with water. Place it on a
horizontal surface. Make a series of holes in the wall of the vessel
anywhere below the free surface of the liquid. The water spurts out
through each hole. This shows that the liquid exerts pressure at each
point on the wall of the bottle.

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Liquid exerts pressure at all points in all directions

15.State three factors on which the pressure at a point in a liquid

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depends.

Solution
Pressure at a point in a liquid depends upon the following three
factors:
(i) Depth of the point below the free surface.
(ii) Density of liquid.
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(iii) Acceleration due to gravity.

16.Write an expression for the pressure at a point inside a liquid.

Explain the meaning of the symbols used.

Solution
P = Po + h g
Here, P = Pressure exerted at a point in the liquid
Po = Atmospheric pressure
h = Depth of the point below the free surface
= Density of the liquid
g = Acceleration due to gravity

17.Deduce an expression for the pressure at depth inside a liquid.

Solution
Consider a vessel containing a liquid of density . Let the liquid be

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stationary. In order to calculate pressure at a depth, consider a
horizontal circular surface PQ of area A at a depth h below the free
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surface XY of the liquid. The pressure on the surface PQ will be due
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to the thrust of the liquid contained in cylinder PQRS of height h with
PQ as its base and top face RS lying on the frees surface XY of the
liquid.
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Total thrust exerted on the surface PQ

= Weight of the liquid column PQRS
= Volume of liquid column PQRS × density × g
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= (Area of base PQ × height) × density × g

= (A × h) × × g
This thrust is exerted on the surface PQ of area A. Therefore,
pressure is given as shown below.
P=
P= =h g
Thus, Pressure = depth × density of liquid × acceleration due to
gravity

18.How does the pressure at a certain depth in sea water differ

from that at the same depth in river water? Explain your answer.

Solution
Due to dissolved salts, density of sea water is more than the density of

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river water, so pressure at a certain depth in sea water is more than
that at the same depth in river water.
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19.Pressure at the free surface of a water lake is P1, while at a
point at depth h below its free surface is P2. (a) How are P1 and P2
related? (b)Which is more P1 or P2?
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Solution
(a) P2 = P 1 + h g ,
(b) P2 > P 1
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20. Explain why a gas bubble released at the bottom of a lake

grows in size as it rises to the surface of the lake.

Solution
The reason is that when the bubble is at the bottom of the lake, total
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pressure exerted on it is the atmospheric pressure plus the pressure

due to water column. As the gas bubble rises, due to decrease in depth
the pressure due to water column decreases. By Boyle's law, PV =
constant, so the volume of bubble increases due to decrease in
pressure, i.e., the bubble grows in size.
21.A dam has broader walls at the bottom than at the top.
Explain.

Solution
The pressure exerted by a liquid increases with its depth. Thus as
depth increases, more and more pressure is exerted by water on wall
of the dam. A thicker wall is required to withstand greater pressure,
therefore, the thickness of the wall of dam increases towards the
bottom.

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22.Why do sea divers need special protective suit?
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Solution
The sea divers need special protective suit to wear because in deep
sea, the total pressure exerted on the diver's body is much more than
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his blood pressure. To withstand it, he needs to wear a special

protective suit.
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23.State the laws of liquid pressure.

Solution
Laws of liquid pressure:
(i) Pressure at a point inside the liquid increases with the depth from
its free surface.
(ii) In a stationary liquid, pressure is same at all points on a horizontal
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plane.
(iii) Pressure is same in all directions about a point in the liquid.
(iv) Pressure at same depth is different in different liquids. It increases
with the increase in the density of liquid.
(v) A liquid seeks its own level.
24 .A tall vertical cylinder filled with water is kept on a horizontal
table top. Two small holes A and B are made on the wall of the
cylinder, one near the bottom and other just below the free
surface of water. State and explain your observation.

Solution
The liquid from hole B reaches a greater distance on the horizontal
surface than that from hole A.
This explains that liquid pressure at a point increases with the depth

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of point from the free surface.
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25.How does the liquid pressure on a diver change if:
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(i) the diver moves to the greater depth, and
(ii) The diver moves horizontally?
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Solution
(i) As the diver moves to a greater depth, pressure exerted by sea
water on him also increases.
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(ii) When the diver moves horizontally, his depth from the free
surface remains constant and hence the pressure on him remains
unchanged.

26.State Pascal's law of transmission of pressure.

Solution
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Pascal's law states that the pressure exerted anywhere in a confined

liquid is transmitted equally and undiminished in all directions
throughout the liquid.

27.Name two applications of Pascal's law.

Solution
Two applications of Pascal's law:
(i) Hydraulic press
(ii) Hydraulic jack

28.Explain the principle of a hydraulic machine. Name two

devices which work on this principle.

Solution
The principle of a hydraulic machine is that a small force applied on a
smaller piston is transmitted to produce a large force on the bigger

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piston.
Hydraulic press and hydraulic brakes work on this principle.
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29.Name and state the principle on which a hydraulic press
works. Write one use of hydraulic press.
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Solution
Hydraulic press works on principle of hydraulic machine.
It states that a small force applied on a smaller piston is transmitted to
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produce a large force on the bigger piston.

Use: It is used for squeezing oil out of linseed and cotton seeds.

30.The diagram below in Fig. 4.12 shows a device

which makes the use of the principle of transmission of pressure.
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(i) Name the parts labelled by the letters X and Y.
(ii)Describe what happens to the valves A and B and to the quantity of
water in the two cylinders when the lever arm is moved down
(iii) Give reasons for what happens to the valves A and B
(iv) What happens when the release valve is opened?
(v) What happens to the valve B in cylinder P when the lever arm is
moved up?
(vi) Give a reason for your answer in part (v).
(vii) State one use of the above device.

Solution
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(i) X : Press Plunger; Y: Pump Plunger
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(ii) When the lever is moved down, valve B closes and valve A opens,
so the water from cylinder P is forced into the cylinder Q.
(iii) Valve B closes due to an increase in pressure in cylinder P. This
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pressure is transmitted to the connecting pipe and when the pressure

in connecting pipe becomes greater than the pressure in the cylinder
Q, valve A opens up.
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(iv) When the release valve is opened, the ram (or press) plunger Q
gets lowered and water of the cylinder Q runs out in the reservoir.

31.Draw a simple diagram of a hydraulic jack and explain its

working.

Solution
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Working: When handle H of the lever is pressed down by applying an
effort, the valve V opens because of increase in pressure in cylinder P.
The liquid runs out from the cylinder P to the cylinder Q. As a result,
the piston B rises up and it raises the car placed on the platform.
When the car reaches the desired height, the handle H of the lever is
no longer pressed. The valve V gets closed (since the pressure on the
either side of the valve becomes same) so that the liquid may not run
back from the cylinder Q to cylinder P.

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32.Explain the working of a hydraulic brake with a simple
labelled diagram.
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Solution
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Working: To apply brakes, the foot pedal is pressed due to which

pressure is exerted on the liquid in the master cylinder P, so liquid
runs out from the master cylinder P to the wheel cylinder Q. As a
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result, the pressure is transmitted equally and undiminished through

the liquid to the pistons B1 and B2 of the wheel cylinder. Therefore,
the pistons B1 and B2 get pushed outwards and brake shoes get
pressed against the rim of the wheel due to which the motion of the
vehicle retards. Due to transmission of pressure through the liquid,
equal pressure is exerted on all the wheels of the vehicle connected to
the pipe line R.
On releasing the pressure on the pedal, the liquid runs back from the
wheel cylinder Q to the master cylinder P and the spring pulls the
break shoes to their original position and forces the pistons B1 and B2
to return back into the wheel cylinder Q. Thus, the brakes get
released.

33. Complete the following sentences :

(a) Pressure at a depth h in a liquid of density p is......................
(b) Pressure is.................... in all directions about a point in a liquid.

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(c) Pressure at all points at the same depth is....................
(d) Pressure at a point inside the liquid is
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...................... To its depth.
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(e) Pressure of a liquid at a given depth is
.................. To the density of the liquid.
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Solution
(a) h g
(b) same
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(c) the same

(d) directly proportional
(e) directly proportional.

MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE :

1.The S.I. unit of pressure is :

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1. N cm-2
2. Pa
3. N
4. N m2

Solution
Pa
2.The pressure inside a liquid of density p at a depth h is:
1. h g
2.

3.
4. h

Solution
h g

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3.The pressure P1 at a certain depth in river water and P2 at the
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same depth in sea water are related as:
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1. P1 > P2 T IO
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2. P1= P2
3. P1 <P2
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4. P10 - P2 = atmospheric pressure

Solution
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P1 <P2

4. The pressure P1 at the top of a dam and P2 at a depth h form

the inside water (density p) are related as :
1. P1 >P2
2. P1 = P2
3. P1 - P2 = h g
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4. P2 - P1 = h g

Solution
P2 - P1 = h g
Numerical :

1. A hammer exerts a force of 1.5 N on each of the two nails A and

B. The area of cross section of tip of nail A is 2 mm2 while that of
nail B is 6 mm2. Calculate pressure on each nail in Pascal.

Solution
Force exerted , F = 1.5 N
Area of cross – section of trip of nail A , a1 = 2mm2 = 2 × 10 -6 m2

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Area of cross – section of tip of nail B, a1 = 6 mm2 = 6×10-6 m2
.
Pressure on nail A = = = 7.5 × 105 Pascal
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×
.
Pressure on nail B = = = 2.5 × 106 Pascal
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! "×

2. A block of iron of mass 7.5 kg and of dimensions 12 cm × 8 cm

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× 10 cm is kept on a table top on its base of side 12 cm × 8 cm.

Calculate :
a. Thrust and
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b. Pressure exerted on the table top

Take 1 kgf = 10 N

Solution
1 kgf = 10 N
∴ g = 10 ms-2
a) Thrust is
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F= mg = 7.5 kg ×10 = 75 N

b) pressure is force per area .

*
∴ P= = ! ×+× !
$%&'( ×
∴ P = 7812.5 Pa
3.A vessel contains water up to a height of 1.5 m
.Taking the density of water 103 kg m-3,acceleration due to gravity
9.8 m s-2 and area of base of vessel 100 cm2 calculate:
(a) the pressure and (b) the thrust at the base of vessel.

Solution
Given height , h = 1.5 m
Density of water , = 103 kgm-3
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m/s2

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Area of base of the vessel a = 100 cm2 = 100 × 10-4m2
(a) pressure p = h g
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Or p = 1.5 × 103× 9.8
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Or p = 1.47 ×104 Nm-2

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(b)Thrust = pressure × area
Or thrust = 1.47 × 104 ×100 × 10-4 N
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Or thrust = 147 N

4. The area of base of a cylindrical vessel is 300 cm2.

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Water (density= 1000 kg m-3) is poured into it up to a depth of 6

cm. Calculate: (a) the pressure and (b) the thrust of water on the
base. (g = 10m s-2.)

Solution
Given area of base of vessel a = 300 cm2 = 300 × 10-4 m2
Density of water , = 1000 kg m-3
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Depth , h = 6cm = 0.06 m

Acceleration due to gravity g = 10 ms-2
(a) pressure = h g = 0.06 ×1000×10 =600 Pascal
(b) Thrust , T = Pressure × area = 600 ×300 × 10-4 = 18 N .
5. a) Calculate the height of a water column which will exert on
its base the same pressure as the 70 cm column of mercury.
Density of mercury is 13-6 g cm-3.
(b) Will the height of the water column in part (a) change if the
cross section of the water column is made wider?

Solution
(a) Given density of mercury = 13.6 gcm-3
Height of mercury column h′ = 70 cm

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Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 ms-2
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Let h be the height of the water column.
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Density of water = 1 gcm-3

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Given , pressure exerted by mercury column = pressure exerted by
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water column
Or h′ ′g = h g
- - * × .."
Or h = = = 952cm or 95.2 m
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(b) No, the height of the water column shall not change

6. The pressure of water on the ground floor is40,000 Pa and

on the first floor is 10,000 Pa. Find the height of the first floor.
(Take : density of water = 1000 kg m-3, g = 10 m s-2)
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Solution
Pressure of water on ground floor = 40000 Pascal
Pressure of water on first floor = 10,000 Pascal
Density of water , = 1000 kg m-2
Let h be the height of the first floor
Difference in water pressure between ground and first floor = h g
Or (40,000 – 10,000) = h (1000)(10)
Or , h = 3m

7. A simple U tube contains mercury to the same level in both of

its arms. If water is poured to a height of 13.6 cm in one arm, how
much will be the rise in mercury level in the other arm?
Given : density of mercury = 13.6 x 103 kg m-3
and density of water = 103 kg m-3.

Solution

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Length of mercury columns in two arms is equal
Height to which water is poured in one arm, h = 13.6 cm
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Let h′ be the rise in the mercury level in the other arm
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Given density of mercury = 13.6 × 103 kgm-3

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Density of water = 103 kgm-3
Pressure due to water on one arm = pressure on mercury column in
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the other arm

Or, 13.6 × 103 × g = h′×13.6×103×g
Or h′ =1 cm
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8. In a hydraulic machine, a force of 2 N is applied on the piston

of area of cross section 10 cm2. What force is obtained on its
piston of area of cross section 100 cm2 ?

Solution
Force on narrow piston F1 = 2N
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Area of cross section of narrow piston A1 = 10cm2

Let force on wider piston A2= 100 cm2
By the principle of hydraulic machine,
Pressure on narrow piston = pressure on wider piston
/ /!
Or =
!

Or = !

Or F2 =20 N
9. What should be the ratio of area of cross section of the master
cylinder and wheel cylinder of a hydraulic brake so that a force of
15 N can be obtained at each of its brake shoe by exerting a force
of 0.5 N on the pedal ?

Solution
Let the ratio of area of cross section of the master cylinder and wheel
cylinder be A1:A2
Force on Pedal , F1 = 0.5 N

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Force on break shoe , F2 = 15 N
By the principle of hydraulic machine ,
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Pressure on narrow Piston = pressure on wider piston
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= !
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Or
$ $!

$
Or =
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! $!

$ .
Or =
$!
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$
Or =
$! .
Thus , the required ratio is 1:30

10 .The areas of pistons in a hydraulic machine are5 cm2 and 625

cm2. What force on the smaller piston will support a load of 1250
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N on the larger piston? State any assumption which you make in

your calculation.

Solution
Area of small piston A1 = 5 cm2
Area of wider piston A2 = 625 cm2
Force on small piston or load, F2= 1250 N
By the principle of hydraulic machine ,
Pressure on narrow piston = pressure on wider piston
Or , = !
$ $!

Or =
"

Or F1 = ×5
"
or F1 = 10 N
Assumption : No friction or leakage of liquid happens .

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11 (i) The diameter of neck and bottom of a bottle are 2 cm and
10 cm, respectively. The bottle is completely filled with oil. If the
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cork in the neck is pressed in with a force of
1.2 kgf, what force is exerted on the bottom of the bottle?
(ii) Name the law/principle you have used to find the force in part
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(i).

Solution
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Diameter of the neck of the bottle, d1 = 2cm

Diameter of the bottom of the bottle , d2= 10 cm
Force on the cork in the neck ,F1 = 1.2 kgf
Force on the bottom be F2
By the principle of hydraulic machine ,
Pressure on neck = pressure on bottom
= !
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Or ,
$ $!
. !
Or 3 ! = 3 !
12! 4 1 2 !! 4
.
Or 5 =6 !7 × 6107 = 30 kgf
(ii) Pascal’s law has been used to find the force
12.A force of 50 kgf is applied to the smaller piston of a hydraulic
machine. Neglecting friction, find the force exerted on the large
piston, if the diameters of the pistons are 5 cm and 25 cm
respectively.

Solution
Ratio of diameter of smaller piston to bigger piston = 5:25
∴ ratio of area of smaller piston to bigger piston = 25:625
Force applied on smaller piston F1 = 50 kgf

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Let F2 be the force on bigger piston
By the principle of hydraulic machine,
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Pressure on narrow piston = pressure on wider piston
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Or = !
$ $!
$
Or =
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! $!

Or =
! "
"
Or F2 = 50 × = 1250 kgf
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13.Two cylindrical vessels fitted with pistons A and B of area of

cross section 8 cm2 and 320 cm2 respectively, are joined at
their bottom by a tube and they are completely filled with water.
When a mass of 4 kg is placed on piston A, Find : (i) the pressure
on piston A, (ii) the pressure on piston B, and (iii) the thrust on
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piston B.

Solution
Data is incomplete

13. What force is applied on a piston of area of cross section 2 cm2

to obtain a force 150 N on the piston of area of cross section 12
cm2 in a hydraulic machine?
Solution

In a hydraulic machine
Pressure on narrow piston = pressure on wider piston
∴P =P
/ /!
∴ =
!
/
∴ ; = ;
× ×
∴5 = ×2×10-4

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× ;

∴5 = ×2 = 25 N
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 EXERCISE – B

1.What do you understand by atmospheric pressure?

Solution
The thrust exerted per unit area of the earth surface due to column of
air, is called the atmospheric pressure on the earth surface.

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2.Write the numerical value of the atmospheric pressure on the
surface of earth in Pascal.
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Solution
1.013 x 10 5 Pascal
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3.What physical quantity is measured in torr? How is it related to

the S.I. unit of the quantity?
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Solution
Atmospheric pressure is measured in 'torr'.
1 torr = 1 mm of Hg.

4.Name the physical quantity which is expressed in the unit 'atm'.

State its value in Pascal.
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Solution
At normal temperature and pressure, the barometric height is 0.76 m
of Hg at sea level which is taken as one atmosphere.
1 atmosphere = 0.76 m of Hg = 1.013 x 105 Pascal
5.We do not feel uneasy even under enormous pressure of the
atmosphere above as well as around us. Give a reason.

Solution
We do not feel uneasy under enormous pressure of the atmosphere
above as well as around us because of the pressure of our blood,
known as blood pressure, is slightly more than the atmospheric
pressure. Thus, our blood pressure balances the atmospheric pressure.

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6.Describe an experiment to demonstrate that air exerts pressure.
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Solution
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Experiment to demonstrate that air exerts pressure:

Take a thin can fitted with an airtight stopper. The stopper is removed
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and a small quantity of water is boiled in the can. Gradually the steam
occupies the entire space of can by expelling the air from it [Fig (a)].
Then stopper is then tightly replaced and simultaneously the flame
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beneath the can is removed. Cold water is then poured over the can.
It is observed that the can collapses inwards as shown in fig (b).
The reason is that the pressure due to steam inside the can is same as
the air pressure outside the can [Fig (a)]. However, on pouring cold
water over the can, fitted with a stopper [fig (b)], the steam inside the
can condenses producing water and water vapour at very low
pressure. Thus, the air pressure outside the can becomes more than the
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vapour pressure inside the closed can.

Consequently, the excess atmospheric pressure outside the can causes
it to collapse inwards.
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7. Explain the following :
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(i) A balloon collapses when air is removed from it.
(ii) Water does not run out of a dropper unless its rubber bulb is
pressed.
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(iii) Two holes are made in a sealed tin can to take out oil from it.

Solution
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(i)When air is removed from the balloon, the pressure inside the
balloon (which was due to air in it) is much less than the atmospheric
pressure outside and hence the balloon collapses.

(ii) Water is held inside the dropper against the atmospheric pressure
because the pressure due to height column of liquid inside the dropper
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is less than the atmospheric pressure. By pressing the dropper we

increase the pressure inside the dropper and when it becomes greater
than the atmospheric pressure the liquid comes out of the dropper.

(iii) There is no air inside a completely filled and sealed can. When a
single hole is made to drain out the oil from the can, some of the oil
will come out and due to that the volume of air above the oil will
increase and hence the pressure of air will decrease. But if two holes
are made on the top cover of the can, air outside the can will enter it
through one hole and exert atmospheric pressure on the oil from
inside along with the pressure due to oil column, and it will come out
of the can from the other hole.

8.Why does the liquid rise in a syringe when its piston is pulled
up?

Solution

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When syringe is kept with its opening just inside a liquid and its
plunger is pulled up in the barrel, the pressure of air inside the barrel
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below the plunger becomes much less than the atmospheric pressure
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acting on the liquid. As a result, the atmospheric pressure forces the
liquid to rise up in the syringe.
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9. How is water drawn up from a well by a water pump?

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Solution
In a water pump, on pulling the piston up, the pressure of air inside
the siphon decreases and the atmospheric pressure on the water
outside increases. As a result, the atmospheric pressure pushes the
water up in pump.

10. A partially inflated balloon is placed inside a bell jar

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connected to a vacuum pump . on creating vacuum inside the bell

jar balloon gets more inflated . how does the pressure change :
Increases , decreases or remains same inside the (a)bell jar and
(b) balloon ?

Solution
(a) Pressure increases inside the bell jar.
(b) Pressure decreases inside the balloon.

11.What is the purpose of a barometer?

Solution
A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure.

12.What is a barometer? How will you construct a simple

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barometer? N A D
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Solution
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A barometer is an instrument which is used to measure the
atmospheric pressure.
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Construction of a simple barometer:

A simple mercury barometer can be made with a clear, dry, thick-

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walled glass tube about 1 metre ling. The glass tube is sealed at one
end and is filled with mercury completely. While filling the tube with
mercury care has to be taken so that there are no air bubbles present in
the mercury column. Close the open end with thumb and turn the tube
upside down carefully over a trough containing mercury. Dip the open
end under the mercury level in the trough and remove the thumb.
The mercury level in the tube falls until it is about 76 cm (h =760
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mm) vertically above the mercury level. It is the atmospheric pressure

acting on the surface of the mercury in the trough that supports the
vertical mercury column. The empty space above the mercury column
is called the 'Torricellian vacuum'.
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13.Explain how is the height of mercury column in tube of a
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simple barometer is a measure of the atmospheric pressure.
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Solution
In given figure, at all points such as C on the surface of mercury in
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trough, only the atmospheric pressure acts. When the mercury level in
the tube becomes stationary, the pressure inside tube at the point A,
which is at the level of point C, must be same as that at the point C.
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The pressure at point A is due to the weight (or thrust) of the mercury
column AB above it. Thus, the vertical height of the mercury column
from the mercury surface in trough to the level in tube is a measure of
the atmospheric pressure.
The vertical of the mercury column in it (i.e., AB = h) is called the
barometric height.
Had the pressure at points A and C be not equal, the level of mercury
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in the tube would not have been stationary.

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14.Illustrate with the help of a labelled diagram of a simple

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barometer that the atmospheric pressure at a place is 76 cm of
Hg.
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Solution
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15.Why is the barometric height used as unit to express the
atmospheric pressure?

Solution
It is the atmospheric pressure acting on the surface of the mercury in
the trough that supports the vertical mercury column. Hence,
barometric height is used as unit to express the atmospheric pressure.

16.What is meant by the statement 'the atmospheric pressure at a

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place is 76 cm of Hg'? State its value in Pa.
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Solution
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The atmospheric pressure at a place is 76 cm of Hg means at normal
temperature and pressure, the height of the mercury column supported
by the atmospheric pressure is 76 cm.
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76 cm of Hg = 1.013 x 105 Pascal

17.How will you show that there is vacuum above the surface of
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mercury in a barometer? What name is given to this vacuum?

Solution
The space above mercury is a vacuum. This empty space is called
'Torricellian vacuum'.
This can be shown by tilting the tube till the mercury fills the tube
completely. Again when the mercury column becomes stationary, the
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empty space is created above the mercury column. If somehow air

enters into the empty space or a drop of water gets into the tube, it
will immediately vaporize and the air will exert pressure on mercury
column due to which the barometric height will decrease.

18.How is the barometric height of a simple barometer affected if

(a) Its tube is pushed down into the trough of mercury?
(b) Its tube is slightly tilted from vertical?
(c) A drop of liquid is inserted inside the tube?

Solution
(a) The barometric height remains unaffected.
(b) The barometric height remains unaffected.
(c) The barometric height decreases.

19.State two uses of a barometer.

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Solution
Two uses of barometer:
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(a) To measure the atmospheric pressure.
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(b) For weather forecasting

20.Give two reasons for use of mercury as a barometric liquid.

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Solution
Two advantages of using mercury as barometric liquid:
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(i) The density of mercury is greater than that of all the liquids, so
only 0.76m height of mercury column is needed to balance the normal
atmospheric pressure.
(ii) The mercury neither wets nor sticks to the glass tube therefore it
gives the correct reading.
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21.Give two reasons why water is not a suitable barometric liquid.

Solution
Water is not a suitable barometric liquid because:

(i) The vapour pressure of water is high, so its vapours in the vacuum
space will make the reading inaccurate.
(ii) Water sticks with the glass tube and wets it, so the reading
becomes inaccurate.

22.Mention two defects of a simple barometer and state how they

are removed in a Fortin barometer.

Solution
In a simple barometer, there is no protection for the glass tube but in
Fortin's barometer, this defect has been removed by enclosing the

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glass tube in a brass case.
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In a simple barometer, a scale cannot be fixed with the tube (or it
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cannot be marked on the tube) to measure the atmospheric pressure
but Fortin's barometer is provided with a vernier calipers to measure
the accurate reading.
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23.Draw a simple labelled diagram of a Fortin barometer and

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state how it is used to measure the atmospheric pressure.

Solution
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To measure the atmospheric pressure, first the leather cup is raised up
or lowered down with the help of the screw S so that the ivory pointer
I just touches the mercury level in the glass vessel. The position of the
mercury level in the barometer tube is noted with the help of main
scale and the vernier scale. The sum of the vernier scale reading to the
main scale reading gives the barometric height.

24.What is an aneroid barometer? Draw a neat and labelled

diagram to explain its construction and working.

Solution
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A barometer calibrated to read directly the atmospheric pressure is
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called an aneroid barometer. It has no liquid, it is light and portable.
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Construction: Figure above shows the main parts of an aneroid

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barometer. It consists of a metallic box B which is partially evacuated.

The top D of the box is springy and corrugated in form of a
diaphragm as shown. At the middle of diaphragm, there is a thin rod L
toothed at its upper end. The teeth of rod fit well into the teeth of a
wheel S attached with a pointer P which can slide over a circular
scale. The circular scale is initially calibrated with a standard
barometer so as to read the atmospheric pressure directly in terms of
the barometric height.

Working: When atmospheric pressure increases, it presses the

diaphragm D and the rod L gets depressed. The wheel S rotates
clockwise and pointer P moves to the right on the circular scale.
When atmospheric pressure decreases, the diaphragm D bulges out
due to which the rod L moves up and the wheel S rotates anti-
clockwise. Consequently, the pointer moves to the left.

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25.State two advantages of an aneroid barometer over a simple
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barometer.
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Solution
Aneroid barometer has no liquid and it is portable. It is calibrated to
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read directly the atmospheric pressure.

26.How is the reading of a barometer affected when it is taken to

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(i) a mine, and (ii) a hill?

Solution
(i) In a mine, reading of a barometer increases.
(ii) On hills, reading of barometer decreases.

27.How does the atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

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Draw an approximate graph to show this variation.

Solution
The atmospheric pressure decreases with an increase in the altitude.
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28.State two factors which affect the atmospheric pressure as we
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go up.
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Solution
Factors that affect the atmospheric pressure are:
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(i) Height of air column

(ii) Density of air
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29.Why does a fountain pen leak at high altitude?

Solution
A fountain pen filled with ink contains some air at a pressure equal to
atmospheric pressure on earth's surface. When pen is taken to an
altitude, atmospheric pressure is low so the excess pressure inside the
rubber tube forces the ink to leak out
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30.Why does nose start bleeding on high mountains?

Solution
On mountains, the atmospheric pressure is quite low. As such, nose
bleeding may occur due to excess pressure of blood over the
atmospheric pressure.
31.What is an altimeter? State its principle. How is its scale
calibrated?

Solution
An altimeter is a device used in aircraft to measure its altitude.

Principle: Atmospheric pressure decreases with the increase in height

above the sea level; therefore, a barometer measuring the atmospheric
pressure can be used to determine the altitude of a place above the sea

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level. N A D
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The scale of altimeter is graduated with height increasing towards left
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because the atmospheric pressure decreases with increase of height
above the sea level.
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32.What do the following indicate in a barometer regarding

weather :
(a) gradual fall in the mercury level,
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(b) sudden fall in the mercury level,

(c) Gradual rise in the mercury level?

Solution
(a) It indicates that the moisture is increasing i.e., there is a possibility
of rain.
(b) It indicates the coming of a storm or cyclone.
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(c) It indicates that the moisture is decreasing i.e., it indicates dry

weather.
MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE :

1. The unit torr is related to the barometric height as:

1. 1 torr = l cm of Hg
2. 1 torr = 0.76 m of Hg
3. 1 torr = 1 mm of Hg
4. 1 torr = 1m of Hg

Solution

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1 torr = 1 mm of Hg
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2. The normal atmospheric pressure is :
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1. 76 m of Hg
2. 76 cm of Hg
3. 76 Pa
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4. 76 N m-2

Solution
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76 cm of Hg

3. The atmospheric pressure at earth's surface is P1

and inside mine is P2. They are related as :
1. P l =P2
2. P l >P2
3. P l <P2
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4. P2 = 0

Solution
3. P l <P2
NUMERICAL :

1. Convert 1 mm of Hg into pascal. Take density of Hg = 13.6 x

103 kg m-3 and g = 9.8 m s-2 .

Solution
Density of Hg = 13.6 × 103 kgm-3
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 ms-2
Height of mercury column = 1mm = 0.001 m

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∴ pressure , P = hρg
Or ,
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P= (0.001) (13.6×103) (9.8) Pascal
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Or P = 133.28 Pa

2.At a given place, a mercury barometer records a pressure of

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0.70 m of Hg. What would be the height of water column if

mercury in barometer is replaced by water? Take R.D. of
mercury = 13.6.
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Solution
Relative density of Hg = 1.36 = 13.6 × 103 kgm-3
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 ms-2
Height of mercury column = 0.70 m
∴ pressure , P = hρg
Or p =(0.7)(1.36 ×103) (9.8) Pascal
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Or P = 93.3 × 103 pa
Let h be the height of water column
Then , p = h (density of water) g
Or 93.3 × 103 = h × 9.8
Or h = 9.52 m
3. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 76 cm of Hg. If air
pressure falls by 10 mm of Hg per 120m of ascent, what is the
height of a hill where the barometer reads 70 cm Hg. State the
assumption made by you.

Solution
Atmospheric pressure p= 76 cm Hg
Rate at which falls = 10 mm of hg per 120m of ascent = 1 cm of hg
per 120 m of ascent

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Let h be the height of the hill
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Pressure at hill p′ = 70 cm hg
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Total fall in pressure = p- p′ = (76-70) cm Hg = 6 cm Hg
Now fall in pressure in 1 cm Hg for every 120 m increase in height
Thus if the fall in pressure is 6 cm Hg increase in height shall
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be(6×120) m = 720 m
∴ height of the hill = 720 m
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4.At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is1.04 x 105 Pa. Assuming
g = 10 m s-2 and density of air to be uniform and equal to
1.3 kg m-3, find the height of the atmosphere.

Solution

Atmospheric pressure P = 1.04 × 105 Pa

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Acceleration due to gravity g = 10 ms-2

Density =h M
O . Q× R
∴ℎ= = = 8000 m
P ..×
5. Assuming the density of air to be 1.295 kg m-3, find the fall in
barometric height in mm of Hg at a height of 107 m above the sea
level. Take density of mercury = 13.6 × 103 kg m-3.

Solution
Let h = 107 m be the height above sea level
∴ p − p = p T gh
∴ pU gh − pU ghT = p T gh
∴ VW M∆ℎ = V YZ Mℎ

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[&\] . _ × *
∴∆ℎ = = `
[^ .."×
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∴ ∆ℎ = 0.010 a bc dM

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∴ ∆ℎ = 10aa bc dM
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