Pascal (unit)

The pascal (symbol: Pa) is the SI derived unit of pressure or stress (also: Young's modulus and tensile strength). It is a measure of perpendicular force per unit area i.e. equivalent to one newton per square meter or one Joule per cubic meter. In everyday life, the pascal is perhaps best known from meteorological air-pressure reports, where it occurs in the form of hectopascal (1 hPa = 100 Pa). In other contexts, the kilopascal is more commonly used, for example on bicycle tire labels. One hectopascal corresponds to about 0.1% and one kilopascal to about 1% of atmospheric pressure (near sea level).