Manometer

A manometer is basically a U-shaped tube which is partially filled with some fluid.

The figure shown here illustrates a manometer. This manometer sketch is a part of a manometer simulation (in the next few pages we will learn how to use this animation). To help us in our discussion, we have exaggerated the size of the manometer. In reality, the length of a manometer is between 1 to 4 ft. In the first few pages we will provide a general discussion, which will be followed by an experiment,

What is a manometer?

Manometer is simple device which provides two functions:

a. It compares two pressures.

b. Physically shows the difference in two pressures. This is accomplished by being able to see a difference in the liquid level between the two legs.

The manometer shown here is a U-shaped tube. The bottom of the tube contains mercury. Notice that the mercury level is identical in both of the legs. The right leg is open to the atmosphere (in other words, it is connected to the atmosphere). Atmospheric pressure is exerted on top of the mercury column on the right hand side.

The left leg is connected to a tank. Therefore, the tank pressure is applied to the top of the mercury level in the left hand side leg.