Question

why does the author most likely describe liquid rising through a straw before discussing mercury? to compare ancient experiments to modern ones to introduce the concept of air pressure with a familiar example to illustrate atmospheric conditions by comparing water and air to suggest that water is superior to mercury for measuring pressure

Explanation:

Rising liquid in a straw is a common - experience example to help understand air - pressure concepts before more complex mercury - based pressure measurement.

Answer:

B. to introduce the concept of air pressure with a familiar example