ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Mechanical Comprehension (MC)Medium
A hydraulic press uses a small piston with an area of 0.01 m² to exert force on a larger piston with an area of 0.5 m². If a force of 100 N is applied to the small piston, what is the theoretical force exerted by the larger piston?
- A5,000 N
- B10,000 N
- C500 N
- D2 N
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 5,000 N
According to Pascal's Principle, pressure is transmitted equally throughout an enclosed fluid. Pressure = Force/Area. So, F1/A1 = F2/A2. Given F1=100 N, A1=0.01 m², A2=0.5 m². Solving for F2: F2 = F1 * (A2/A1) = 100 N * (0.5 m² / 0.01 m²) = 100 N * 50 = 5000 N.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is incorrect; it overestimates the force output based on the given areas.
- C. This is incorrect; it's a common miscalculation or misunderstanding of the area ratio.
- D. This is incorrect; it would imply a significant loss of force, not an amplification.
Hydraulic System Force Amplification
Hydraulic systems use incompressible fluid to transmit pressure, allowing a small force applied to a small piston to generate a larger force on a larger piston, providing mechanical advantage.
- Based on Pascal's Principle (P1 = P2).
- Force is amplified when the output piston area is larger than the input piston area.
- The distance the larger piston moves is proportionally smaller than the smaller piston's travel.
Memory trick: Pascal's Press: Small 'push' on small 'area' means big 'push' on big 'area'.