Water Resources·MCQ explained

Manometer is device for measuring

Try it first: pick an option, then read the explanation.

Correct answer: D. Pressure

Asked in SSC JE 2014, Morning

Detailed Explanation

A manometer balances a column of fluid against another fluid column or applied force to determine fluid pressure or pressure differences.

1. Core definition:

A manometer is an instrument that uses a column of liquid to measure the pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas).

2. Other fluid measurement devices:

  • Density: Measured using a hydrometer, pycnometer, or oscillating U-tube densitometer.
  • Velocity: Measured using a Pitot tube, current meter, or laser Doppler velocimeter.
  • Discharge: Measured using a venturimeter, orifice meter, flow nozzle, or weir.

Why “Pressure” Is Correct

By standard engineering definition, a manometer is designed and utilized specifically for the measurement of fluid pressure.

Pressure InletClosed TipDial (bar / kPa)Uncoils under pressureBourdon Gauge: Elliptical cross-section uncoils with internal pressure
Manometers and pressure gauges are dedicated instruments for measuring fluid pressure.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

  • A. Density: Fluid density is measured using a hydrometer or pycnometer.
  • B. Velocity: Fluid velocity is measured using a Pitot tube or anemometer.
  • C. Discharge: Flow discharge is measured using a venturimeter, orifice meter, or weir.

Key Point

A manometer is a device used for measuring fluid pressure.

Key Concepts for Students

  • Simple manometers measure pressure at a single point relative to atmosphere.
  • Differential manometers measure the difference in pressure between two points.
  • Micro-manometers measure extremely small pressure differences with high precision.

Practice more: this is question 33 in Measurement of Pressure MCQs – Part 3. Try the whole set and check every answer instantly.