pascal (Pa) pâskâl (#) Fr.: pascal The → SI unit of → pressure, that of one → newton per → square → meter. Since 1 Pa is a small pressure, hPa (→ hectopascals) are more widely used. 1 Pa = 10 dyn cm-2, = 1.02 x 10-5 kgf cm-2 = 10-5 bars = 9.87 x 10-6 atm = 7.50 x 10-3 torr (mm Hg). In honor of Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French mathematician, physicist, and religious philosopher for his contribution in the study of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics, in particular establishing the principle of the barometer. |