What is a manometer?

What is a manometer?

• A. A device to measure temperature.
• B. A device to measure flow rate.
• C. A scale to weigh solids.
• D. A U-shaped tube partially filled with a fluid of known density used to determine pressure differences.

Answer: (D)

A manometer translates pressure differences into a measurable height difference in a liquid column. It consists of a U-shaped tube partly filled with a fluid of known density. When connected to two pressures, the liquid moves so that one side rises and the other falls; the vertical separation of the liquid surfaces corresponds to the pressure difference through ΔP = ρ g Δh, where ρ is the fluid density and g is gravity. This makes it a direct tool for determining pressure differences, unlike devices that measure temperature, flow rate, or mass.

A manometer translates pressure differences into a measurable height difference in a liquid column. It consists of a U-shaped tube partly filled with a fluid of known density. When connected to two pressures, the liquid moves so that one side rises and the other falls; the vertical separation of the liquid surfaces corresponds to the pressure difference through ΔP = ρ g Δh, where ρ is the fluid density and g is gravity. This makes it a direct tool for determining pressure differences, unlike devices that measure temperature, flow rate, or mass.