Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Practice Test

What is absolute pressure the sum of?

1. Gauge and atmospheric pressures

2. Minimum and maximum pressures

3. Positive and negative pressures

4. Standard and deviation pressures

The correct answer is: Gauge and atmospheric pressures

Absolute pressure is defined as the total pressure exerted on a system, which includes both the pressure measured relative to a vacuum (gauge pressure) and the atmospheric pressure surrounding that system. In essence, absolute pressure accounts for the pressure in a vacuum, which means it is always a positive value when measured. By adding gauge pressure, which measures how much pressure is above atmospheric pressure, to atmospheric pressure itself, you obtain absolute pressure. This measurement is crucial in various engineering applications, as it provides a true measure of pressure without the fluctuations caused by changing atmospheric conditions. The other choices do not accurately describe the relationship that contributes to absolute pressure. Minimum and maximum pressures do not provide a relevant basis for calculating absolute pressure. Similarly, positive and negative pressures do not encompass the standard measurement framework used in pressure measurement, and standard and deviation pressures are terms that relate to statistical analysis rather than pressure measurements.