Torr – A Unit for Vacuum and Low-Pressure Measurements
Thetorris a unit of pressure named after Evangelista Torricelli, the inventor of the barometer. One torr is defined as 1/760 of an atmosphere, approximately equal to 133.322 pascals.
History & Background
The torr was developed to facilitate precise measurements in low-pressure environments, especially in vacuum systems and laboratory applications.
Conversion Factors
- 1 torr ≈ 133.322 Pa
- 1 torr ≈ 0.133322 kPa
- 1 torr ≈ 1/760 atm
Applications
Torr is used extensively in vacuum technology, scientific research, and the calibration of pressure measurement instruments.
Interesting Facts
Many laboratory instruments, such as vacuum gauges and mass spectrometers, use torr as the primary unit for pressure measurement.
Conclusion
The torr offers a precise and practical unit for low-pressure environments, making it indispensable in both scientific research and industrial applications.
Inches of Mercury (inHg) – An Imperial Unit for Pressure
Theinches of mercury (inHg)is an imperial unit of pressure often used in aviation and meteorology. It measures the height of a mercury column in inches and is particularly useful for describing atmospheric pressure.
History & Background
Developed during the era of mercury barometers, inHg has been used for over a century to quantify atmospheric pressure. It remains popular in countries that use the imperial system, especially in weather reporting and aircraft instrumentation.
Conversion Factors
- 1 inHg ≈ 3386.39 Pa
- 1 inHg ≈ 3.38639 kPa
- 1 inHg ≈ 0.0338639 bar
- 1 inHg ≈ 0.491154 atm
Applications
Inches of mercury are used to report barometric pressure in weather forecasts and to monitor cabin pressure in aircraft, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.
Interesting Facts
Many pilots and meteorologists are accustomed to reading inHg values when assessing weather conditions and atmospheric pressure.
Conclusion
Inches of mercury provide an accessible, imperial-based measure of pressure that is especially valuable in aviation and weather forecasting.