Question

Consider the barometer shown in figure (13-Q1). If a small hole is made at a point P in the barometer tube, will the mercury come out from this hole?

Answer 1

Hey.

Diagram of this question is shown in the attachment.

Pressure at the top of the mercury column = 0 [No air or vacuum]

When there is an hole at point P,

then Pressure at point P will become P₀, same as atmospheric pressure.

Now, For mercury to flow, it will flow from higher pressure to lower pressure.

Higher pressure is at point P an lower pressure is at top, thus it will not flow out but flow little upwards.

Thus, no mercury will fall out, but instead of that mercury level increase a little.

Hope it helps.