volume_mute
Hydraulic Force Multiplier
publish date: 2026/05/20 22:35:56.532557 UTC
In a hydraulic system governed by Pascal's principle, the input piston has an area of \(2\text{ in}^2\) and the output piston has an area of \(20\text{ in}^2\). If an input force of \(15\text{ lb}\) is applied, what is the output force in pounds?
Answer = (1)
Correct Answer
(1) 150
Explanation
Pascal's principle states that the internal fluid pressure is equal everywhere (\(F_1/A_1 = F_2/A_2\)). The area increases by a factor of 10 (\(20/2 = 10\)), so the output force is multiplied by 10: \(15\text{ lb} \times 10 = 150\text{ lb}\).
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide