cmH₂O to Kilopascal Converter
Convert cmH₂O to Kilopascals
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Convert Kilopascals to cmH₂O
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Common cmH₂O to Kilopascals Conversions
This comprehensive cmH₂O to kilopascals conversion table shows how various units relate to centimeters of water column, a unit often used in medical and engineering applications. Use this reference for quick conversions between cmH₂O and kilopascals.
| cmH₂O | Kilopascals (kPa) | cmH₂O | Kilopascals (kPa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0980665 | 100 | 9.80665 |
| 10 | 0.980665 | 500 | 49.03325 |
| 100 | 9.80665 | 1000 | 98.0665 |
| 1019.72 | 100 | 5000 | 490.3325 |
This cmH₂O to kilopascals conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both SI and imperial units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications. One cmH₂O is defined as the pressure exerted by a column of water 1 cm high at 4°C.
What is cmH₂O?
Centimeters of water (cmH₂O) is a unit of pressure that represents the pressure exerted by a column of water 1 centimeter high at 4°C (the temperature at which water reaches its maximum density). This unit is commonly used in medical applications, particularly in respiratory therapy and ventilator settings, to measure pressure differences in airways and breathing circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cmH₂O are in a kilopascal?
There are approximately 10.1972 cmH₂O in one kilopascal.
Why is cmH₂O used in medical settings?
cmH₂O is used in medical settings because it provides a practical and intuitive measure of respiratory pressures. Healthcare professionals can easily understand the pressure equivalent to a specific height of water column, which is particularly relevant for breathing mechanics. This unit is especially common in ventilator settings, CPAP machines, and pulmonary function tests where pressures are relatively low and water-based measurements make physiological sense.
How accurate is the cmH₂O to kilopascal conversion?
The conversion is highly accurate as it is based on established physical constants. One kilopascal is defined as 1,000 pascals, and 1 cmH₂O is defined as 98.0665 pascals. Therefore, 1 kPa = 1,000 / 98.0665 ≈ 10.1972 cmH₂O. This precision is sufficient for all practical applications.
What are common uses for cmH₂O to kilopascal conversion?
This conversion is useful in fields where both medical pressure measurements and general atmospheric pressures are considered. For example, in respiratory physiology research, understanding how ventilator pressures (in cmH₂O) relate to ambient atmospheric pressure (in kPa) can be crucial. It also finds application in some industrial settings where low-pressure systems are compared against standard atmospheric conditions.