volume_mute
Input Displacement Calculation
publish date: 2026/05/18 21:47:8.850620 UTC
A hydraulic machine has an output piston area that is exactly \(5\text{ times}\) larger than the input piston area. If you want to lift a heavy vehicle on the output piston by a vertical height of \(4\text{ inches}\), how many inches down must you push the input piston?
Answer = (1)
Correct Answer
(1) 20
Explanation
Because fluid volume is conserved, the product of area and distance must balance on both sides:
\[ A_1 \times d_1 = A_2 \times d_2 \]
Given that \(A_2 = 5 A_1\) and \(d_2 = 4\text{ in}\):
\[ A_1 \times d_1 = (5 A_1) \times 4 \implies d_1 = 20\text{ inches} \]
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide