Convert 2.70 atm to torr.
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert 2.70 atm to torr, use the conversion factor between atmospheres and torr:
1 atm = 760 torr
Given:
Pressure = 2.70 atm
To convert to torr:
Pressure in torr = Pressure in atm × Conversion factor
Pressure in torr = 2.70 atm × 760 torr/atm
Pressure in torr = 2052 torr
So, 2.70 atm is equal to 2052 torr.
Explanation
Atmospheres (atm) and torr are units used to measure pressure. Pressure is the force exerted per unit area by gas molecules as they collide with the walls of their container.
The atmosphere is a common unit for measuring pressure, especially in contexts like weather and gas laws. It is based roughly on the average atmospheric pressure at sea level on Earth. One atmosphere equals the pressure exerted by a 760 mm column of mercury (Hg) at 0 degrees Celsius, which leads to the relationship 1 atm = 760 torr. The torr is named after Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the mercury barometer.
When converting from atm to torr, multiply the pressure value in atmospheres by 760 because one atmosphere equals 760 torr. This conversion is direct and linear since both units measure the same physical quantity but on different scales.
Understanding these units is important in fields like chemistry, physics, and engineering, where gas behavior under different pressures must be calculated or measured. For example, when using the ideal gas law or dealing with gas collection in laboratory settings, it is crucial to convert pressures accurately.
In this problem, the conversion calculation is straightforward multiplication. The result, 2052 torr, indicates that a pressure of 2.70 atm corresponds to a pressure exerted by a mercury column of 2052 mm if using the torr unit. This shows the equivalence between different measurement systems and helps in scientific communication and problem-solving.