Difference Between Barometer, Manometer & Anemometer

Barometers measure atmospheric pressure.
••• barometer image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com

Barometers, manometers and anemometers are all scientific instruments. Scientists use barometers and manometers to measure atmospheric pressure, while anemometers measure wind speed.

Manometers

A manometer is a tube-like device which measures atmospheric measure. There are two types: closed tube and open tube, but both measure pressure by comparing the pressure exerted by the atmosphere at one end of the tube with a known pressure at the other. Manometer tubes are typically filled with mercury.

Barometer

Barometers also measure atmospheric pressure. Mercury barometers are a type of closed-tube manometer, while aneroid barometers use a small, spring balance to take the measurement. In the past, mercury barometers were common in family homes where people used them to predict the weather based on the air pressure reading. Rising air pressure meant good weather was on the way, while falling pressure might bring rain.

Anemometers

Anemometers are a completely different type of instrument used to measure wind speed. There are several different types, but the most common—the cup anemometer—takes the measurement by recording the number of times the wind rotates a fan-shaped device.

Related Articles

Interesting Facts About Anemometers
Why Is the Anemometer Important to Weather Forecasting?
What Units Does the Anemometer Measure In?
Types of Old-Fashioned Weather Instruments
What Is the Range of Barometric Pressure?
How to Read a Digital Barometer
How to Convert 48 Millimeters to Inches
How to Set and Read a Barometer
Different Types of Anemometers
What Units Do Barometers Measure In?
Weather Instruments & Their Uses
The History of Wind Vanes
Weather Vane Facts
Test Your Knowledge on Middle School Science
How to Convert Nautical Knots to Miles
How Does Temperature Affect Barometric Pressure?
How to Convert Pounds Per Square Foot to PSI
Celsius vs. Centigrade
Differences Between a Wind Vane and an Anemometer
How to Read Weather Radar

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!