Prove the relationship between kPa and mmHg?

In summary, the conversation is about a bonus question in a chemistry class that requires solving a mathematical problem. The problem is to prove the relationship between 760mmHg and 101.35kPa using conversion factors and equations. The student is struggling to remember their math skills, but with some guidance, they were able to solve the problem and even point out a mistake in the question.
  • #1
Cathmore
12
0
I suppose this is more of a math question, but it's a bonus question in my chemistry upgrade class.

Homework Statement


Prove the relationship 760mmHg=101.35kPa mathematically, by using conversion factors.

Homework Equations


1 Pa=1 kgm/s2 (No it doesn't?...)
density of Hg=13.6g/cm3
acceleration due to gravity=9.8m/s2

The Attempt at a Solution


I'll be honest, my mind is totally blanking on this, I know my math skills should be able to handle this no problem, but it feels like all my math skills have ran away for the summer. I mean yeah I can convert 101.35kPa into an area using gravity I guess, but I'm not sure what that tells me. While telling me how to get the answer would be great, I'd even be happy with a hint at where to get start.
 
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  • #2
You have a column of mercury sitting on a one meter by one meter square that is 760 mm high. What is the pressure on that square in kPa?
 
  • #3
This question was a lot easier than it felt at the time, just stepped entirely away from chemistry for a bit and looked at it as a math problem, what you said helped me get into the right mindset. I even got an extra mark for pointing out the mistake in the problem. (1 Pa equals 1kg/s2m, not 1kgm/s2)
 

FAQ: Prove the relationship between kPa and mmHg?

What is the relationship between kPa and mmHg?

The relationship between kPa (kilopascal) and mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is that they are both units of pressure. They are related through the equation 1 kPa = 7.50062 mmHg. This means that 1 kilopascal is equal to 7.50062 millimeters of mercury.

How do you convert kPa to mmHg?

To convert from kPa to mmHg, you can use the conversion factor of 1 kPa = 7.50062 mmHg. Simply multiply the value in kPa by 7.50062 to get the equivalent value in mmHg. For example, if you have 100 kPa, the conversion would be 100 x 7.50062 = 750.062 mmHg.

What is the significance of using kPa and mmHg in pressure measurements?

KPa and mmHg are both commonly used units of pressure in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. They provide a way to measure and compare pressure in different systems. KPa is the SI unit for pressure, while mmHg is a unit commonly used in weather reports and in medical applications.

How does the relationship between kPa and mmHg affect atmospheric pressure readings?

In atmospheric pressure readings, both kPa and mmHg can be used to measure the pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere. However, the conversion factor between the two units means that there will be a slight difference in the actual numerical value of the pressure. For example, if the atmospheric pressure is measured to be 100 kPa, it would be equivalent to 750.062 mmHg.

Can you explain the historical significance of mmHg in relation to kPa?

The unit of mmHg was first introduced by Evangelista Torricelli in the 17th century to measure atmospheric pressure. He used a glass tube filled with mercury and inverted it into a dish of mercury, creating a vacuum at the top of the tube. The height of the mercury in the tube represented the pressure of the atmosphere, and this was later measured in units of mmHg. The kPa unit was not introduced until much later in the 20th century as part of the International System of Units (SI).

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