- #1
emcsquared
- 8
- 1
Homework Statement
Hi Physics gurus, this question was in my Chem Eng exam, and I can't agree with my lecturer's answer. He makes a LOT of mistakes, so it's hard to know when he's being clever or reallllly dumb.
The question I have issue with is: "Is the pressure a manometric or an absolute pressure?"
[Notes: 1.The tank is described as 'closed'. 2. Mentally remove the 8cm column, that relates to another part of the question where water has collected inside the gauge and causes an error]
I have answered that it is absolute, since the space above the manometric scale contains a vacuum. That means that the atmosphere is not impinging on the system in any way so is irrelevant to the gauge. His answer is "There is not atmospheric pressure coming in so the pressure is manometric" (a direct quote).
2. Homework Equations
I queried the solution by email and he responded with the classic equation:
Pabs=Pgauge+Patm
and since we have not applied this formula and added (or his word, 'accounted') atmospheric pressure to the gauge reading then it is gauge pressure only.
I agree this applies in some cases (specifically where atmospheric pressure is acting on the system), but I believe a more general equation would be:
Pabs=Pgauge+P1
where P1 is the pressure acting on the right-hand column. And since there is a vacuum above this column, then
P1=0 and
Pabs=Pgauge
Could we not place this system in a bell jar or a hyprebaric chamber and obtain an unchanged manometer reading?
The Attempt at a Solution
This appears to be a pretty definitive measure of absolute pressure. The only way the gauge can read zero (again assuming the 8cm column of water were not present) is if the vessel contains a vacuum. Not a practical system I know, but given the question as asked that is my interpretation.
Am I missing something fundamental? Or is there some subtle difference between the terms 'manometric pressure' and 'gauge pressure'? Or has my lecturer just misunderstood an utterly basic concept in his field of expertise?