You have a sealed hydraulic system with two cylinders connected to each other by a tube filled with hydraulic fluid. Piston #1 has an area of 1 sq. in. Piston #2 has an area of 4 sq. in. How much force is developed on piston #2 if 50 lbs. of force is applied to piston #1?
A)12.5 lbs.
B)50 lbs.
C)200 lbs.
D)500 lbs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force developed on piston #2 can be calculated using Pascal's law, which states that pressure in a closed hydraulic system is constant throughout. The pressure applied by piston #1 is force divided by area, or 50 lbs / 1 sq. in. = 50 psi. This pressure is applied across piston #2's area of 4 sq. in., resulting in a force of 50 psi * 4 sq. in. = 200 lbs.

You Have a Sealed Hydraulic System with Two Cylinders Connected