A refrigeration technician measures the pressure in the suction line of a refrigerator at sea level. The gauge gives a reading of −45kPa (i.e., 45kPa below atmospheric pressure).
(i) Determine the absolute pressure of the refrigerant in Pascal and in bar.
(ii) Convert the pressure difference between the suction line and the atmosphere into its equivalent height of a mercury column. Use g=9.8m s−2 and ρHg=13.6×103kg m−3.
(iii) State whether the fluid in the suction line is under a partial vacuum and justify your answer with suitable reasoning.