Barometer: Explanation and Study Guide

A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. It is an important tool in meteorology for forecasting weather changes. There are two main types of barometers: mercury barometers and aneroid barometers.

Mercury Barometer

This type of barometer uses a column of mercury to measure air pressure. The height of the mercury column changes with variations in atmospheric pressure. As the pressure increases, the mercury column rises, and as the pressure decreases, the column falls. The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level can support a mercury column that is approximately 760 millimeters (29.92 inches) high.

Aneroid Barometer

An aneroid barometer uses a flexible metal box called an aneroid cell to measure atmospheric pressure. As the pressure changes, the aneroid cell expands or contracts, which in turn moves a pointer on a calibrated scale to indicate the pressure. Aneroid barometers are commonly used in households and are more portable than mercury barometers.

Study Guide

Types of Barometers

Mercury Barometer
Aneroid Barometer

How Barometers Work

Explain the functioning of a mercury barometer and an aneroid barometer in measuring atmospheric pressure.

Applications of Barometers

Discuss the importance of barometers in weather forecasting and how they are used in predicting changes in weather patterns.

Calibrating and Using a Barometer

Provide guidelines on how to calibrate and effectively use a barometer for accurate pressure measurements.

Comparing Mercury and Aneroid Barometers

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of mercury and aneroid barometers in terms of accuracy, portability, and maintenance.

Studying the barometer is essential for understanding atmospheric pressure and its role in weather patterns. Mastering the concepts and applications of barometers will help in comprehending the dynamics of atmospheric pressure and its impact on weather conditions.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earth`s Climate

The resources above cover the following skills:

Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.

The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)

Concepts Of Earth/Space Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe.

The student will explain how the transfer of energy and matter affect Earth systems.

The student will explain how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced change alter the transfer of energy and matter.

The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth.

The student will compare events in Earth's history that have been grouped according to similarities.

Environmental Science: The student will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major environmental science concepts to understand interrelationships of the natural world and to analyze environmental issues and their solutions.

The student will explain how matter and energy move through the biosphere (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and organisms).

The student will analyze how the transfer of energy between atmosphere, land masses and oceans results in areas of different temperatures and densities that produce weather patterns and establish climate zones around the earth (At least - differential heating and cooling; oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns; climates and microclimates; biomes).

The student will analyze the relationships between humans and the earth's resources.

The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and air quality (At least - ozone; greenhouse gases; volatile organic compounds (smog); acid rain; indoor air; human health).