If a force of 150 pounds is applied to a master cylinder with a piston area of 1 square inch, how much force is developed on a wheel cylinder that has a piston area of 2 square inches?
A)75 pounds
B)150 pounds
C)300 pounds
D)450 pounds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle at work here is Pascal's Law, which states that pressure in a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in every direction and acts with equal force on equal areas. The pressure applied by the master cylinder can be calculated as force divided by area, which is 150 pounds / 1 square inch = 150 PSI. This pressure is then applied to the wheel cylinder, which has an area of 2 square inches. The force developed on the wheel cylinder is therefore pressure times area, or 150 PSI * 2 square inches = 300 pounds.

If a Force of 150 Pounds Is Applied to a Master