True or False: A manometer measures absolute pressure.

A manometer measures the pressure difference between two points rather than measuring absolute pressure directly. It is typically used to provide readings in terms of gauge pressure or differential pressure. In contexts where manometers are employed, they are often referencing atmospheric pressure, thereby indicating gauge readings rather than absolute values.

While there are types of pressure measuring instruments designed to measure absolute pressure – such as absolute pressure sensors or transducers – standard manometers do not provide absolute measurements. The misunderstanding often arises because people might conflate gauge pressure readings obtained from a manometer with the concept of absolute pressure.

In summary, since a manometer focuses on the pressure difference rather than the absolute pressure relative to a perfect vacuum, the statement that a manometer measures absolute pressure is indeed false.