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

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1 bar

Explanation:


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
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