Pascal

Definition

Pascal is a unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal, who made significant contributions to the understanding of fluid mechanics and hydrostatics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One pascal is defined as the pressure exerted by a force of one newton acting uniformly over an area of one square meter.
2. Pascals are commonly used to measure pressure in various fields, including meteorology, engineering, and medicine.
3. The pascal is a derived unit in the SI system, derived from the base units of kilogram, meter, and second.
4. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 101,325 pascals, which is often referred to as one standard atmosphere.
5. Pascals can be used to measure both static and dynamic pressure, making them a versatile unit for various applications.

Review Questions

• Explain how the pascal is defined in the context of physical quantities and units.
  • The pascal is defined as the pressure exerted by a force of one newton acting uniformly over an area of one square meter. This means that one pascal is the pressure that results when a force of one newton is applied evenly over an area of one square meter. This definition connects the pascal to the fundamental physical quantities of force, area, and pressure, which are essential concepts in the study of physics and the language used to describe physical phenomena.
• Describe the relationship between the pascal and other units used to measure pressure.
  • The pascal is the base unit of pressure in the SI system, but it is not the only unit used to measure pressure. Other common units include the bar, the atmosphere, and the torr. These units can be converted to pascals using appropriate conversion factors. For example, one atmosphere is equal to 101,325 pascals, and one bar is equal to 100,000 pascals. Understanding the relationships between these different pressure units is crucial for working with and interpreting measurements in various fields of physics and engineering.
• Analyze the significance of the pascal in the study of fluid mechanics and hydrostatics.
  • The pascal is a fundamental unit in the study of fluid mechanics and hydrostatics, as it is used to measure the pressure exerted by fluids, both static and dynamic. Pressure is a key concept in understanding the behavior of fluids, such as the transmission of forces in liquids and gases, the operation of hydraulic systems, and the measurement of atmospheric pressure. The pascal's connection to the fundamental physical quantities of force and area makes it a crucial unit for analyzing and describing the properties and behaviors of fluids, which is essential for fields like meteorology, engineering, and medical applications involving fluid systems.

Related terms

Pressure:

The force exerted per unit area on a surface, often expressed as the ratio of the normal force to the area of the surface.

Hydrostatics: The study of the pressure and equilibrium conditions of fluids at rest.

Barometer: An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, often expressed in units of pascals.