Hectopascal

Hectopascal (hPa) is a unit of pressure, commonly used in the field of medicine and meteorology. It is equivalent to 100 Pascals, a standard unit of pressure in the SI.

Definition

The hectopascal is defined as 1 hPa = 100 Pascals. The Pascal (Pa) is the SI unit for pressure and is defined as one Newton per square meter. The hectopascal is therefore equal to 100 Newtons per square meter.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, the hectopascal is often used in the measurement of blood pressure. Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), but can also be expressed in terms of Pascals or hectopascals. For example, a normal blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is equivalent to 16000/10667 hPa.

Usage in Meteorology

In meteorology, the hectopascal is the standard unit for atmospheric pressure used by the World Meteorological Organization. Atmospheric pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the atmosphere at a given point. It is typically measured in hectopascals using a barometer.

See Also

• Pascal (unit)
• Pressure
• Blood pressure
• Meteorology

References

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