Question

A hydraulic lift has input and output pistons with diameters of 0.12 m and 0.48 m, respectively. If a force of 275 N is exerted at the input piston, calculate the maximum mass that can be lifted by the output piston.

Answer 1

Given:

$F_1=275\:\rm N$

$d_1=\rm 0.12\: m$

$d_2=\rm 0.48\: cm$

The hydraulic press equation says

$$\frac{F_1}{A_1}=\frac{F_2}{A_2}$$

Hence, the maximum mass that can be lifted by the output piston

$$m=F_2/g=F_1\frac{A_2}{gA_1}\\ =275*\frac{(0.48)^2}{9.8*(0.12)^2}=449\: \rm kg$$