What does a manometer measure?

A manometer is a device specifically designed to measure the pressure of gases or liquids. It operates based on the principle of balancing a column of liquid against the pressure exerted by the fluid whose pressure is being measured. This makes it particularly useful in various applications, such as monitoring gas pressure in a laboratory or assessing fluid pressure in HVAC systems.

The correct answer is pressure because that is the primary function of a manometer, distinguishing it from other measuring instruments. For example, temperature is measured using thermometers, mass is measured with balances or scales, and volume can be assessed using volumetric flasks or graduated cylinders. Each of these other tools serves a different purpose and is not designed for pressure measurements like a manometer.