A mechanic pushes with 200 N on a hydraulic lift's small piston of area 0.002 m². The large piston has an area of 0.05 m². Calculate the output force on the large piston.

Fluids Challenge #3 — Pascal's Principle

The force of a
hydraulic lift.

Fluids Medium

Problem

A mechanic pushes with 200 N on the small piston of a hydraulic lift, area 0.002 m². The large piston has an area of 0.05 m². Calculate the output force on the large piston.

Input force\( F_1 = 200\ \mathrm{N} \)
Small piston\( A_1 = 0.002\ \mathrm{m^2} \)
Large piston\( A_2 = 0.05\ \mathrm{m^2} \)
Answer innewtons

The fluid is incompressible and the pistons are at the same height.

Hint: Pascal’s principle: the fluid carries the same pressure to every piston. Find that pressure from the small piston, then let the large area multiply it back into force.

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The force of ahydraulic lift.

Problem

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The force of a
hydraulic lift.