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Ch.10 - Gases
Chapter 10, Problem 19b

The highest barometric pressure ever recorded was 823.7 torr at Agata in Siberia, Russia on December 31, 1968. Convert this pressure to (b) mm Hg

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1
Understand that the unit 'torr' is equivalent to 'mm Hg'. This is because 1 torr is defined as 1 mm Hg, based on the original definition of the millimeter of mercury as a unit of pressure.
Since the units are equivalent, the numerical value of the pressure in torr is the same as in mm Hg.
Therefore, to convert 823.7 torr to mm Hg, you simply recognize that the value remains the same due to the equivalence of the units.
Write down the conversion: 823.7 torr = 823.7 mm Hg.
Conclude that the pressure in mm Hg is 823.7 mm Hg, as no further calculation is needed due to the direct equivalence of the units.

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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 torr, mm Hg, or pascals. 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 measurement from one unit to another while maintaining the same quantity. In this case, converting torr to mm Hg involves recognizing that 1 torr is equivalent to 1 mm Hg. Mastery of unit conversion is crucial in chemistry and physics to ensure accurate calculations and comparisons.
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Torr and mm Hg

Torr and mm Hg are units of pressure that are often used interchangeably, as they are defined to be equivalent. One torr is defined as 1/760 of standard atmospheric pressure, which is also equal to 1 mm of mercury. Understanding these units is important for interpreting pressure measurements in various scientific contexts.
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