On a given day, the prevailing atmospheric pressure in Albuquerque, NM (elevation 1620 meters) might be 0.811 atm. Calculate this pressure expressed in mmHg and in torr
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert atmospheric pressure from atm to mmHg and torr, we use the standard conversion:
- 1 atm = 760 mmHg
- 1 atm = 760 torr
Given:
- Pressure in atm = 0.811 atm
Step 1: Convert to mmHg
0.811 atm×760 mmHgatm=616.36 mmHg0.811 \, \text{atm} \times 760 \, \frac{\text{mmHg}}{\text{atm}} = 616.36 \, \text{mmHg}0.811atm×760atmmmHg=616.36mmHg
Step 2: Convert to torr
Since 1 torr = 1 mmHg, the pressure in torr is the same:0.811 atm×760 torratm=616.36 torr0.811 \, \text{atm} \times 760 \, \frac{\text{torr}}{\text{atm}} = 616.36 \, \text{torr}0.811atm×760atmtorr=616.36torr
✅ Final Answers:
- 616.36 mmHg
- 616.36 torr
📘 Explanation
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air above a particular point. It can be measured in various units, including atmospheres (atm), millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and torr. Each unit can be converted using defined relationships. The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 1 atm, which is equal to 760 mmHg or 760 torr.
Albuquerque, NM is located at a high elevation of about 1620 meters. As elevation increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases because there is less air above pressing down. On the day in question, the reported pressure was 0.811 atm, which is lower than sea-level pressure. To better understand this value, it is helpful to convert it into mmHg and torr, which are commonly used in scientific and medical settings, particularly when dealing with barometers and blood pressure.
Using a straightforward conversion factor, we multiply the given value in atm by 760 to get the equivalent in mmHg. Since mmHg and torr are numerically equal (by definition), the pressure is the same in both units. This conversion provides a more intuitive understanding of how low or high the pressure is compared to the standard. For instance, 616.36 mmHg is significantly lower than 760 mmHg, reinforcing that atmospheric pressure in Albuquerque is reduced due to its elevation.
These conversions are essential in meteorology, physiology, and engineering, where accurate pressure readings are crucial for calculations and safety protocols.
