Pressure conversion in S.I. units: determine which standard pressure this value corresponds to—100 kN/m^2 equals what?

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:Engineers frequently convert among common pressure scales: pascal (Pa), kilopascal (kPa), bar, atmosphere (atm), and millimetre of mercury (mm Hg). Quick, accurate conversions help verify results and align with standards in hydraulics, pneumatics, and thermodynamics. Given Data / Assumptions: 100 kN/m^2 is the same as 100 kPa (since 1 N/m^2 = 1 Pa). 1 bar is defined as exactly 100 kPa. 1 atm ≈ 101.325 kPa (standard atmosphere). 1 mbar = 0.1 kPa; 1 mm Hg ≈ 133.322 Pa. Concept / Approach:Use definitions: convert the given pressure to kPa and compare to known reference values (bar and atm). Matching exact definitions is the fastest route: 1 bar = 100 kPa; hence if the given pressure is 100 kPa, it directly equals 1 bar. Step-by-Step Solution: Convert 100 kN/m^2 to kPa: 100 kN/m^2 = 100,000 N/m^2 = 100,000 Pa = 100 kPa.Recall: 1 bar = 100 kPa (definition).Therefore, 100 kN/m^2 = 1 bar. Verification / Alternative check: Compare with 1 atm: 101.325 kPa. Because 100 kPa << 101.325 kPa, 100 kN/m^2 is slightly less than 1 atm, confirming “1 bar” rather than “1 atm.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1 atm: 101.325 kPa, not 100 kPa.1 mbar: 0.1 kPa, far smaller.1 mm Hg: ≈ 0.133 kPa, also far smaller.0.1 bar: corresponds to 10 kPa, not 100 kPa. Common Pitfalls: Rounding 1 atm to 100 kPa—tempting but incorrect in standards-based work.Confusing bar with atm because both are near 100 kPa; only bar is exact. Final Answer: 1 bar

Pressure conversion in S.I. units: determine which standard pressure this value corresponds to—100 kN/m^2 equals what?

More Questions from SI Units

Discussion & Comments