Fig. 1.1 illustrates a tube filled with mercury turned upside down in a dish containing mercury. At first, a small piece of glass seals the open end of the tube. Fig. 1.2 shows the tube after the piece of glass has been removed. The labels in Fig. 1.1 are: tube, mercury, piece of glass, dish. Fig. 1.2 includes point X.
(a(i))[2]
Explain why the level of mercury in the tube falls.
(a(ii))[1]
State what is present at point X in Fig. 1.2.
(b)[3]
Describe how the mercury tube shown in Fig. 1.2 can be used to obtain a value for atmospheric pressure in pascals (Pa). You may annotate Fig. 1.2 if you wish.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “The pressure from the mercury in the tube is higher than atmospheric pressure (small height of mercury)” …