Question

A weight of 800 N is balanced on piston of larger area 300 cm² by applying a force of 16 N on piston of smaller area. Find the area of smaller piston.

Answer 1

We know that

F1A1 = F2A2

A1 = F2A2/A1

so

A1 = 300*800/16 = 15000N

Answer 2

Area of the smaller piston = 6 sq. cm.

Explanation:

A weight of 800 N is balanced on piston of larger area 300 cm² by applying a force of 16 N on piston of smaller area.  

Pressure = Force / area

In a piston, we know that Force (smaller piston) / area of smaller piston = Force larger piston) /  area of larger piston

Area of smaller piston, A1 = ?

Area of larger piston, A2 = 300 sq. cm

Force of smaller piston F1 = 16 N

Force of larger piston F2 = 800 N

We know that F1 / A1 = F2 /A2

A1 = F1 * A2 / F2

= 16 * 300 / 800

= 6 sq. com

Area of the smaller piston = 6 sq. cm.