Use the formulas for the hydraulic press to solve the following problem. A force of 50 lb is applied to a piston of radius 9 in. of a hydraulic press. The large piston has a radius of 18 in. What force is exerted by the large piston?
A) 50 lb
B) 200 lb
C) 100 lb
D) 400 lb
E) 220 lb

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the large piston is 200 lb because the pressure is the same throughout the hydraulic press. The pressure is calculated by dividing the force applied to the small piston by the area of the small piston. The area of the large piston is four times the area of the small piston, so the force exerted by the large piston is four times the force applied to the small piston.

Use the Formulas for the Hydraulic Press to Solve the Following