The pressure in Denver, Colorado (elevation 5280 ft), averages about 24.9 in Hg. Convert this pressure to each indicated unit. a. atm

Verified step by step guidance

1. Start by understanding the conversion factor between inches of mercury (in Hg) and atmospheres (atm). The standard conversion is 1 atm = 29.92 in Hg.
2. Set up the conversion equation using the given pressure in Denver, which is 24.9 in Hg. You will use the conversion factor to convert this to atm.
3. Write the conversion equation: \( \text{Pressure in atm} = \frac{24.9 \text{ in Hg}}{29.92 \text{ in Hg/atm}} \).
4. Perform the division to convert the pressure from in Hg to atm.
5. The result from the division will give you the pressure in atmospheres.

Key Concepts

Pressure Units

Pressure is a measure of the force exerted per unit area. Common units for pressure include atmospheres (atm), inches of mercury (in Hg), and pascals (Pa). Understanding how to convert between these units is essential for solving problems related to pressure in different contexts.

Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are ratios that express how many of one unit are equal to another unit. For pressure, the conversion from inches of mercury to atmospheres is based on the relationship that 1 atm is equivalent to 29.92 in Hg. Using these factors allows for accurate conversions between different pressure units.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere at a given location. It varies with altitude; higher elevations, like Denver, experience lower atmospheric pressure. This concept is crucial for understanding how pressure readings can differ based on geographic location and elevation.