The SI unit of pressure is the Pascal, symbolized as ‘Pa’. Pressure is defined as force applied per unit area. In the case of the Pascal, it represents one newton of force applied over an area of one square meter. To put it simply, if you have a force of one newton acting on an area of one square meter, you have created a pressure of one Pascal.
Pressure can also be expressed in other units derived from the Pascal, such as kilopascals (kPa), where 1 kPa equals 1,000 Pascals, and millibar, where 1,000 millibars equals 1 kPa. In different contexts, such as meteorology or aviation, you might also see pressure measured in atmospheres (atm) or pounds per square inch (psi).
Understanding these units is crucial because pressure measurements are widely used in various fields, including physics, engineering, meteorology, and even everyday applications like measuring tire pressure in cars. The Pascal serves as a universal standard, ensuring consistency across various scientific and practical applications.