What is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level?

• A. 12.1 psi
• B. 14.7 psi
• C. 10.3 psi
• D. 15.5 psi

Answer: (B)

The standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is defined as 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch). This value is crucial in various engineering and scientific applications, as it serves as a reference point for measuring pressure in both natural and engineered systems.

Understanding standard atmospheric pressure is essential when designing transportation systems, as it affects various factors such as aerodynamics in vehicles, fluid dynamics in pipelines, and the behavior of materials exposed to atmospheric pressures.

Knowing that 14.7 psi is equivalent to 101.325 kPa or approximately 760 mmHg, highlights its importance in both imperial and metric systems. Recognition of standard atmospheric pressure facilitates calculations regarding lift in aviation, pressure drop in fluid flow, and many other applications critical to civil transportation engineering.