upgrade

🔋college physics i – introduction review

key term - Atm

Citation:

Definition

atm, short for atmosphere, is a unit of pressure that is commonly used to measure and describe the pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere. It is a fundamental concept in the study of physics, particularly in the topics of pressure, gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and pressure measurement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. One atmosphere (1 atm) is equivalent to the average pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere at sea level, which is approximately 101.325 kilopascals (kPa) or 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi).
  2. Gauge pressure is the difference between the absolute pressure and the surrounding atmospheric pressure, which is typically 1 atm at sea level.
  3. Absolute pressure is the sum of the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure, and it is the total pressure acting on a surface.
  4. Pressure measurement devices, such as barometers and manometers, are often calibrated in units of atm to provide a direct reading of the atmospheric pressure.
  5. The conversion between atm and other pressure units, such as kPa or psi, is important for understanding and applying pressure-related concepts in physics.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the term 'atm' is related to the concept of pressure.
    • The term 'atm' is directly related to the concept of pressure because it is a unit used to measure the pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere. Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area, and the atmospheric pressure, which is typically 1 atm at sea level, is a key factor in determining the overall pressure acting on a surface. Understanding the relationship between atm and pressure is essential for studying topics such as gauge pressure and absolute pressure, which are important in the field of physics.
  • Describe the difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure, and how the term 'atm' is used in their measurement.
    • Gauge pressure is the pressure measured relative to the surrounding atmospheric pressure, which is typically 1 atm at sea level. Absolute pressure, on the other hand, is the total pressure acting on a surface, including both the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure. The term 'atm' is used to measure both gauge pressure and absolute pressure, as it provides a direct reading of the atmospheric pressure component. Knowing the relationship between gauge pressure, absolute pressure, and the atm unit is crucial for understanding pressure measurement and its applications in physics.
  • Analyze the importance of the conversion between atm and other pressure units, such as kPa and psi, in the context of pressure measurement and its applications.
    • The ability to convert between the atm unit and other pressure units, such as kPa and psi, is essential for understanding and applying pressure-related concepts in physics. Different pressure measurement devices may use different units, and being able to convert between them allows for accurate comparisons and calculations. This is particularly important when studying topics like gauge pressure and absolute pressure, where the conversion between units can significantly impact the interpretation and application of the measured values. The mastery of these unit conversions is a crucial skill for success in physics, as it enables the effective analysis and understanding of pressure-related phenomena in various contexts.