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Ch.5 - Gases
Chapter 5, Problem 27a

The North American record for highest recorded barometric pressure is 31.85 in Hg, set in 1989 in Northway, Alaska. Convert this pressure to each indicated unit. a. mmHg

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1
1. The problem is asking us to convert the pressure from inches of mercury (in Hg) to millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
2. We know that 1 in Hg is approximately equal to 25.4 mmHg. This is a standard conversion factor in pressure measurements.
3. To convert the pressure from in Hg to mmHg, we simply multiply the given pressure by the conversion factor. In this case, we multiply 31.85 in Hg by 25.4 mmHg/in Hg.
4. The units of in Hg will cancel out, leaving us with the pressure in mmHg.
5. The result of this multiplication will be the pressure in mmHg.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere at a given point. It is commonly measured in units such as inches of mercury (in Hg) or millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Understanding barometric pressure is essential for meteorology and various scientific applications, as it influences weather patterns and altitude measurements.
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Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. In this case, converting barometric pressure from inches of mercury to millimeters of mercury involves using a conversion factor, where 1 in Hg is equivalent to 25.4 mmHg. Mastery of unit conversion is crucial in chemistry and physics to ensure accurate calculations and comparisons.
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Measurement Standards

Measurement standards provide a consistent framework for quantifying physical quantities. The use of standardized units, such as the metric system for pressure measurements, ensures clarity and uniformity in scientific communication. Familiarity with these standards is vital for interpreting data and performing calculations in various scientific disciplines.
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