Multiple choice

Why is mercury preferred as a barometric liquid?

  1. It has minimum density.

  2. It has maximum density.

  3. It is an easily available liquid.

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Mercury's very high density (13.6 g/cm³) allows for a reasonably short barometer column (~76 cm) to measure atmospheric pressure. Less dense fluids would require impractically tall columns (over 10 meters for water).

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