What is the SI unit of pressure and what does it measure?

What is the SI unit of pressure and what does it measure?

• A. Newton (N); measures force
• B. Pascal (Pa); measures force per area
• C. Joule (J); measures energy
• D. Watt (W); measures power

Answer: (B)

Pressure is the amount of force pushing on a given area. In SI units, this is measured in Pascals, defined as one Newton of force per square meter. So if a force of 1 Newton acts on an area of 1 square meter, the pressure is 1 Pascal. Everyday atmospheric pressure is about 101,325 Pascals (roughly 101 kPa). The Newton is the unit of force, not pressure; the Joule is a unit of energy, and the Watt is a unit of power. This makes the Pascal the correct way to express pressure and its amount as force per area.

Pressure is the amount of force pushing on a given area. In SI units, this is measured in Pascals, defined as one Newton of force per square meter. So if a force of 1 Newton acts on an area of 1 square meter, the pressure is 1 Pascal. Everyday atmospheric pressure is about 101,325 Pascals (roughly 101 kPa). The Newton is the unit of force, not pressure; the Joule is a unit of energy, and the Watt is a unit of power. This makes the Pascal the correct way to express pressure and its amount as force per area.