Torr is a unit of pressure commonly used when measuring vacuum levels. It is named after the Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli, who invented the barometer.
Definition:
- 1 torr = 1/760 of atmospheric pressure
- 1 torr = 133.322 pascals (Pa)
- 1 atmosphere = 760 torr
This means that a perfect vacuum is 0 torr, while standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 760 torr.
Pressure Scale Comparison:
| Pressure Type | Value in Torr | Equivalent in Other Units |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Pressure | 760 torr | 101,325 Pa or 14.7 psi |
| Medium Vacuum | 1 to 100 torr | Common in industrial processes |
| High Vacuum | < 1 torr | Used in scientific and specialized tech |
| Ultra-High Vacuum | < 10⁻⁶ torr | Used in semiconductor and physics labs |
| Perfect Vacuum (theoretical) | 0 torr | Complete absence of pressure |
Why Use Torr?
Torr is especially useful in vacuum technology, laboratory settings, and industrial applications because it provides a more intuitive scale for measuring how far below atmospheric pressure a system is operating.
Summary:
Torr is a unit of pressure used to describe vacuum levels, where 760 torr equals atmospheric pressure, and 0 torr represents a perfect vacuum. It’s a standard unit in many scientific and industrial applications involving air and gas removal.