Final answer:
The external pressure caused by the column of mercury in a barometer can be calculated using the formula p = ρgh, where ρ is the density of mercury (13.6 g/cm³), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), and h is the height of the mercury column (0.62 m). The calculated external pressure is approximately 789.108 Pa, 5.918 mmHg, 5.918 torr, and 0.00666 atm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The external pressure caused by the column of mercury can be calculated using the formula:
p = ρgh
Where:
- ρ is the density of mercury
- g is the acceleration due to gravity
- h is the height of the mercury column
Substituting the values into the formula, we have:
p = (13.6 g/cm³)(9.81 m/s²)(0.62 m)
Calculating this expression, the external pressure can be determined in Pascals (Pa). To convert this to other units commonly used, we have:
- 1 Pa = 0.0075 mmHg
- 1 Pa = 0.0075 torr
- 1 Pa = 0.00000987 atm
Therefore, the external pressure is approximately 789.108 Pa, 5.918 mmHg, 5.918 torr, and 0.00666 atm.