In what two ways can pressure be measured?

Pressure can be measured in several ways, but the two primary methods relevant to the context of the question are gauge pressure and vacuum pressure.

Gauge pressure is measured relative to the atmospheric pressure. It indicates how much pressure is exerted above atmospheric pressure and is commonly used in various applications, such as tire pressure measurements or in pressure gauges of industrial equipment. This type of measurement is crucial because it helps in determining if a system is operating above or below the expected atmospheric conditions.

Vacuum pressure, on the other hand, refers to pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum, which is considered to have zero pressure. This measurement is important in applications where it is necessary to monitor conditions below atmospheric pressure, such as in vacuum systems used in laboratory or manufacturing processes. Understanding vacuum pressure helps engineers and technicians maintain the integrity of systems that rely on negative pressure environments.

The combination of gauge pressure and vacuum pressure allows for a comprehensive understanding of pressure within systems, making it easier to ensure optimal operational conditions and safety standards.