Gases- Mercury Barometers

Mercury Barometers

 

Description: Video of mercury barometers. It illustrates how to make a simple mercury barometer, and that the vertical height of the mercury column is independent of the particular shape of the tube confining it.

This demonstration is also available on JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!”   Vol. 2 CD-Rom

Source: JCE Videos “Chemistry Comes Alive!”

Year: 2000  Vol: 77  No. 5  Page: 671

Keywords:  Mercury, J-tube, Barometer, Pressure, Manometer

Rating:

Hazard: High

  • Acute toxicity – dermal, inhalation
  • Aquatic toxicity- long term
  • Specific organ toxicity – central nervous system
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Germ cell mutagenicity hazard

Effectiveness:  Good

  • Results are clearly observable with guidance
  • Low failure rate
  • Mild effects are seen by audience
  • Time to effects is low
  • Very good connection from demo to course material
  • Contrast between systems is low

Difficulty: Medium

  • Simple procedures
  • Some intermediate steps to results
  • Use of highly toxic chemicals
  • Demos at non-standard conditions
  • Some sequential manipulations

Safety Precautions:

  • Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area
  • Mercury spill kit on hand
  • Avoid exposure to vapors, droplets, or mists
  • Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Intermolecular Forces, Gas Laws

Division: General