Question

in a hydraulic pressure, a force of 20N is applied to a piston of area 0.2m^2, if the area of the other piston is 2m^2. calculate the force excerted on it.

Answer 1

Using Pascal's law for F₁= 20 N, A₁ = 0.2 m² and A₂ = 2 m²:

$P_1=P_2 \\ \cfrac{F_1}{A_1}=\cfrac{F_2}{A_2} \implies F_2=F_1\cfrac{A_2}{A_1}$

We substitute and we can find the force exerted on the piston 2 or F₂:

$F_2=(20\,N)\bigg(\cfrac{2\,\cancel{m^2}}{0.2\,\cancel{m^2}}\bigg)=200\,N$

In conclusion, the force exerted on the piston (of area A₂ = 2 m²) is 200 N.

Reference:

• Sears, F. W., & Zemansky, M. W. (1973). University physics.