Podcast
Questions and Answers
Describe how a barometer works and what units of measurement are typically used to report atmospheric pressure?
Describe how a barometer works and what units of measurement are typically used to report atmospheric pressure?
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, typically using a column of mercury or a pressure sensor. The height of the mercury column or the sensor's reading indicates the pressure. Units used are typically inches of mercury (inHg) or millibars (mb).
Explain how an anemometer functions and specify the units in which wind speed is commonly measured.
Explain how an anemometer functions and specify the units in which wind speed is commonly measured.
An anemometer measures wind speed using rotating cups or vanes. The rate of rotation is proportional to the wind speed. Common units of measurement include miles per hour (mph), kilometers per hour (km/h), or knots.
How does a thermometer measure temperature, and what are the primary units of measurement for temperature in weather reports?
How does a thermometer measure temperature, and what are the primary units of measurement for temperature in weather reports?
A thermometer measures temperature based on the expansion or contraction of a substance (like mercury or alcohol) or using electronic sensors. The primary units are degrees Celsius (°C) and degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Describe the mechanism of a hygrometer and state what units are used to express humidity levels in weather forecasts.
Describe the mechanism of a hygrometer and state what units are used to express humidity levels in weather forecasts.
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Explain how a rain gauge collects and measures rainfall, and state the units of measurement typically used for reporting precipitation.
Explain how a rain gauge collects and measures rainfall, and state the units of measurement typically used for reporting precipitation.
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Flashcards
Thermometer
Thermometer
An instrument used to measure temperature, often in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Barometer
Barometer
A device that measures atmospheric pressure, usually in millibars or inches of mercury.
Anemometer
Anemometer
An instrument for measuring wind speed, typically in miles per hour or meters per second.
Rain Gauge
Rain Gauge
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Hygrometer
Hygrometer
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Study Notes
Weather Instruments and Measurement Units
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Thermometer: Measures air temperature.
- Different types exist (mercury, digital, liquid-in-glass).
- Operation: Hold thermometer still and read the temperature at the liquid/mercury level on the scale of the thermometer.
- Units of measurement: Degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
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Barometer: Measures air pressure.
- Types: Aneroid, mercury.
- Operation: Aneroid barometers have a small sealed box that changes shape with air pressure adjustments, moving a needle to show pressure. Mercury barometers use the height of mercury in a tube to measure pressure.
- Units of measurement: Millibars (mb), hectopascals (hPa), inches of mercury (inHg).
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Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
- Types: Cup anemometer (most common), impeller anemometer.
- Operation: Cup anemometers have rotating cups that spin as the wind moves, measuring the speed based on rotations per unit time. Impeller anemometers use different techniques to measure based on the principles of wind catching.
- Units of measurement: Meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph).
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Rain Gauge: Measures rainfall.
- Types: Cylindrical, standard type.
- Operation: A rain gauge catches rain in a container and measures the collected liquid.
- Units of measurement: Millimeters (mm), inches (in).
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Hygrometer: Measures relative humidity.
- Types: Sling psychrometer, hair hygrometer, electronic hygrometer.
- Operation: Sling psychrometers use two thermometers (dry-bulb and wet-bulb) along with a table to find the relative humidity based on the temperature difference. Hair hygrometers use a strand of human hair that changes length with humidity. Electronic hygrometers use electronic sensors.
- Units of measurement: Percentage (%).
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Wind vane: Measures wind direction.
- Types: Standard type.
- Operation: The vane rotates to show the direction the wind is coming from.
- Units of measurement: Degrees from a compass rose (0–360°).
Test Questions (Example)
- What instrument measures air temperature? What are the typical units of measurement?
- Describe how an anemometer works. What units are used to measure wind speed?
- Compare and contrast a mercury barometer and an aneroid barometer; what do they measure, and what are their methods of operation?
- Explain how a rain gauge measures rainfall. What is the common unit of rainfall measurement?
- List three different types of hygrometers. What is the principle behind measuring humidity using a sling psychrometer?
- What is a wind vane? How does it work, and what units are used to express wind direction?
- Which instrument is used to measure relative humidity? How is it typically operated?
- Give two examples of measuring instruments used to measure atmospheric pressure. Describe the basic mechanisms involved.
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Description
Test your knowledge on various weather instruments and their measurement units. This quiz covers thermometers, barometers, and anemometers, including their types, operations, and measurement scales. Understand the practical applications of these tools in meteorology.
