volume_mute
What weight is needed on the left to balance 500 pounds on the right?
publish date: 2026/05/21 11:45:55.475509 UTC
In the figure, the piston at left has an area of 6 square inches and the one at right 21 sqaure inches. What weight is needed on the left to balance 500 pounds on the right?
Answer = (1) lb
Correct Answer
(1) 143
Explanation
The pressure on the right side is \( \frac{500 \text{ lb} }{21\text{ in.}^2} = 23.8 \text{ lb/in}^2 \). This pressure is exerted on the left piston, so the force exerted there is
\[ \text{force} = 23.8 \text{ lb/in}^2 \times 6 \text{ in}^2 = 143 \text{ lb} \]