Question

If a hole is made in the Torricelli’s vacuum portion of a barometer, then the mercury:

1. Level will fall in the stem and the mercury will collect in the reservoir
2. Level will oscillate between reservoir level and original level of the mercury in the stem.
3. Will spill through the hole made
4. Level in the stem will remain at the same level indicating atmospheric pressure

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Level will fall in the stem and the mercury will collect in the reservoir

Explanation:

Torricelli's vacuum Section in Barometer:

• Mercury barometer works by balancing the ambient pressure on the open mercury chamber with the level of mercury in the sealed glass tube.
• Because the mercury must have the space to expand and contract without being influenced by any other force, the top of the barometer is empty(vacuum).
• If a hole is cit in the section above the mercury level, the mercury level in the column declines, and eventually, all of the mercury in the column goes into the reservoir below, overflows if the reservoir's capacity is insufficient.