Question

A piston of small cross-sectional area a is used in a hydraulic press to exert a small force f on the enclosed liquid. A connecting pipe leads to a larger piston of cross sectional area A. a) What force F will the larger piston sustain

Answer 1

Answer:

force on larger piston = $\frac{fA}{a}$

Explanation:

we label the pistons as piston A and piston B

small piston A:

area = a

force = f

large piston B:

area = A

force  = ?

Pascal's law of pressure state that the pressure delivered to a liquid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid.

we know that pressure = force ÷ area

pressure of piston A = $\frac{f}{a}$

pressure of piston B = $\frac{(force on piston B)}{A}$

obeying Pascal's law, the system pressures must be equal. Therefore

$\frac{f}{a} = \frac{(force on piston B)}{A}$

force on large piston (B) = F = $\frac{fA}{a}$