Question

The area of pistons in hydraulic machine are 6 cm² and 576 cm². What force on the smaller piston will support a load of 1152 N on the larger piston ? State the assumption made in the above calculation.

Answer 1

F1* A1 = F2*A2

F2 = F1A1/A2

F2 = 6*1152/576

F2 = 6*2 = 12Newton

assumption where that the height would be same.

Answer 2

Force on the smaller piston = 12 N

Explanation:

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 = 6 sq. cm

Area of larger piston, A2 = 576 sq. cm

Force of larger piston, F2 = 1152 N

We know that F1 / A1 = F2 /A2

F1 = F2 * A1 / A2

= 1152 * 6 / 576  

= 12 N

We assume that the load is at the same height.