Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?

Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?

• A. Barometer
• B. Hygrometer
• C. Anemometer
• D. Thermometer

Answer: (A)

Measuring atmospheric pressure is about sensing the force of the air around us. A barometer is designed for this purpose. In a mercury barometer, air pressure pushes on a column of mercury, and the height of the mercury changes with pressure; in an aneroid barometer, a sealed flexible chamber expands or contracts with pressure changes and is read on a dial. This pressure data is key for weather forecasting, since rising or falling pressure signals different weather patterns. The other instruments measure different properties: a hygrometer detects humidity, an anemometer measures wind speed, and a thermometer measures temperature, so none directly quantify atmospheric pressure.

Measuring atmospheric pressure is about sensing the force of the air around us. A barometer is designed for this purpose. In a mercury barometer, air pressure pushes on a column of mercury, and the height of the mercury changes with pressure; in an aneroid barometer, a sealed flexible chamber expands or contracts with pressure changes and is read on a dial. This pressure data is key for weather forecasting, since rising or falling pressure signals different weather patterns. The other instruments measure different properties: a hygrometer detects humidity, an anemometer measures wind speed, and a thermometer measures temperature, so none directly quantify atmospheric pressure.