volume_mute
Required Area for Force Multiplication
publish date: 2026/05/18 21:47:7.427233 UTC
You need a hydraulic lift to lift a load of \(1200\text{ lb}\) at the output side using a maximum input force of only \(40\text{ lb}\). If the input piston has an area of \(2\text{ in}^2\), what must the area of the output piston be?
Answer = (1)
Correct Answer
(1) 60
Explanation
Using Pascal's relationship:
\[ \frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2} \implies \frac{40}{2} = \frac{1200}{A_2} \]
\[ 20 = \frac{1200}{A_2} \implies A_2 = \frac{1200}{20} = 60\text{ in}^2 \]
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide