What is a Barometer?

A barometer is a scientific device that indicates air pressure. It is used for monitoring atmospheric pressure, commonly used for weather forecasting and altitude calculations. It varies with altitude either above or below sea level. In 1643, the Italian scientist E. Torricelli discovered a scientific device named barometer. In the vacuum of barometer, mercury is used. The basic principle of a barometer relies on the balance between the weight of the air in the atmosphere and the force exerted by a column of mercury or other liquid in a vertical tube.

Barometer

Barometer is an device in the study of meteorology. It is used to study atmosphere and weather phenomena. A Barometer is a scientific tool used to measure the atmospheric pressure at a specific temperature.

In this article, we will learn about barometers and their related terms including types, working principles, uses, and many more related topics.

Table of Content

  • What is a Barometer?
  • History of Barometer
  • How does a Barometer work?
  • Types of Barometer
  • Difference between Barometer and Manometer
  • How to Make a Barometer?

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What is a Barometer?

A barometer is a scientific device that indicates air pressure. It is used for monitoring atmospheric pressure, commonly used for weather forecasting and altitude calculations. It varies with altitude either above or below sea level. In 1643, the Italian scientist E. Torricelli discovered a scientific device named barometer. In the vacuum of barometer, mercury is used. The basic principle of a barometer relies on the balance between the weight of the air in the atmosphere and the force exerted by a column of mercury or other liquid in a vertical tube....

History of Barometer

Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian physicist and mathematician, invented the barometer for the first time in 1643. Torricelli was concerned by the problem of water pumps, that lifted water to a height of about 32 feet only. He assumed that the weight of the atmosphere was responsible for this problem....

How does a Barometer work?

Barometer is a glass tube that has one side open and the other side is closed. The open side of a barometer is placed in a mercury filled basin and the closed-end side is at the top. Instead of water, we normally use mercury for barometer. Because the density of mercury is more than water. The working process of a barometer is based on the balancing of mercury weight with respect to the atmospheric pressure. When the atmospheric pressure decreases, the mercury level also decreases and when the atmospheric pressure increases, the mercury level also increases. Rising the level of mercury of a barometer indicates improving weather and falling level of mercury indicates worsening weather. When the mercury level suddenly fall down, it indicates storming weather. The rising and falling level of mercury are calculated using a scale marked on the glass tube....

Types of Barometer

There are two types of barometer namely...

Difference between Barometer and Manometer

The basic differences between barometer and manometer are as follows:...

How to Make a Barometer?

To make a barometer, you have to keep in mind two things – things you have to make barometer and the procedure of making barometer....

Uses of Barometer

The uses of barometer are mentioned below:...

Conclusion

In simple terms, a barometer is like a weather tool that helps us figure out how heavy the air around us is. It’s important because it tells us if the weather is likely to change soon, like if a storm is coming....

Frequently Asked Questions on Barometer

What is a Barometer?...

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