Mercury Pressure: Practical Applications

This lecture focuses on the concept of pressure, specifically the millimeter of mercury as a unit of pressure. The instructor explains how atmospheric pressure can be measured using the height of a column of liquid, historically mercury, and demonstrates practical applications of this principle. The relationship between mercury pressure, air pressure, and the height of the liquid column is explored, leading to the development of pressure measuring devices. Additionally, a physical experiment involving a gas-filled pipette submerged in water is presented to illustrate the principles of fluid displacement and Archimedes' principle. The lecture concludes with a thought experiment inspired by a scene from a popular movie franchise, challenging students to analyze the feasibility of a scenario involving a submerged boat and air pocket.