Kilopascal (kPa)

Definition: Kilopascal (kPa) is the preferred SI unit for pressure. It represents the pressure exerted by a force of one newton (N) acting on an area of one square meter (m²). (Think: Newtons pushing on a square meter)

Conversion:

• 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa (pascals) – SI base unit

Examples:

• Car tire pressure (200-350 kPa)
• Standard sea-level pressure (101.3 kPa)

Applications:

• Meteorology (weather forecasting)
• Hydraulics/ pneumatics
• Automotive engineering
• Vacuum technology

Related Term: Pascal (Pa) – Base SI pressure unit (N/m²)

Note: kPa is replacing older units (atm, psi) for global consistency.

This revised entry focuses on core concepts, simplifying technical details while retaining the connection to Pa (the SI base unit) and highlighting kPa’s role in SI standardization.