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Small animals such as mice can live at reduced air pressures down to 20 kPa absolute (although not comfortably). In a test, a mercury manometer attached to a tank as shown in the figure below reads 64.5 cm Hg and the barometer reads 100 kPa. Will the mice survive? Show your calculations. (10 Points) 3. 64.5 cm Hg

Solution

Yes, the mice will survive. Becase, Here we are reading a vaccuum pressure of 64.5 cm of Hg which is 100 Kpa in barometer. 100 Kpa in barometer is absolute pressure (less than atmosphere pressure which 101.325 KPa). If mice can survive at 20KPa absolute pressure, they can easily survive at 100kpa absolute pressure.