Question

The areas of pistons in a hydraulic machine are 10 cm² and 40 cm² . What force on the smaller piston will support a load of 1000 N on the larger piston?

Answer 1

We know that

F1A1 = F2A2

F1 = F2*A2/A1

F1 = 1000*40/10

F1 = 4000Newton

Answer 2

Force of smaller piston = 250 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 = 10 sq. cm

Area of larger piston, A2 = 40 sq. cm

Force of larger piston, F2 = 1000 N

We know that F1 / A1 = F2 /A2

F1 = F2 * A1 / A2

= 1000 * 10 / 40

= 250 N

Force of smaller piston, F1 = 250 N