Manometer (Katie Robinson)

Katie Robinson, 7th-8th, CHIME Charter

Principles

Air Pressure

Boyle's Law

Standards.

DCI

Physical Science

Structure and Properties of Matter

Earth and Space Science

Earth Materials and Systems

CCC

2. Cause and Effect

3. Scale, Proportions and Quantity

6. Structure and Function

SEP

2. Developing and Using Models

5. Using mathematics and Computational Thinking

Materials needed

• Manometer (Find a good one HERE)

• Dyed water (green works well)

• Latex tubing

• Plunger

Procedure

Provide a step by step procedure that explains how the demonstration equipment should be used.

Explanation

A manometer measures the difference in air or liquid pressure by comparing it to an outside source, usually a sample of Earth's atmosphere. There are several types of manometers, the simplest being a piezometer tube, which is a single tube and a base that holds the liquid. More common manometers are U-shaped and have interconnected tubes. Manometers are used in atmospheric surveys, weather studies, gas analyses and research of the atmospheres of other planets. They are usually made of glass or plastic, and while most are scored for measurement, some can measure changes digitally. The single-tube manometer measures only the pressure of a liquid, since there is no alternate place to compare gases. A U-shaped manometer essentially pits two different gas pressures against one another, and measures the strength of the captured gas. The free-flowing gas is usually air at the current atmospheric level. (from Sciencing.com)

Questions

1. Does the use of a manometer prove or disprove Boyle's Law? Please explain your reason why.

2. How do we use a manometer in the medical profession?

3. How does this demonstration relate to a person who is trying to siphon gas from another car?

Everyday examples of the principles illustrated

Weather tracking.