The Pascal is the unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI). One Pascal is the pressure exerted by a force of one newton on a surface area of one square meter:
1 Pa = 1 N/m2
How does it work?
Pressure is the distribution of force acting on a surface. For example:
- If an object exerts a force of 1 newton on an area of 1 square meter, the pressure will be 1 Pascal.
- An everyday example: atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101,325 Pascal (101.3 kPa).
What is it used for?
- Physics and engineering sciences: For testing the strength, stress, and pressure resistance of materials.
- Meteorology: For measuring atmospheric pressure, for example in millibars (1 mbar = 100 Pa).
- Industrial applications: In pressure measurement systems, such as in hydraulic machines or for analyzing the operation of pumps.
More information
- 1 kilopascal (kPa) = 1,000 Pa.
- 1 bar = 100,000 Pa.
- 1 psi (pounds per square inch) ≈ 6,894.76 Pa.
Important to know!
The Pascal is named after Blaise Pascal, who laid the foundations of the physics of pressure. The unit's importance lies in the accurate measurement of pressure, the elasticity of materials, and the behavior of fluids.