In a hydraulic press, the pump piston exerts a pressure of 100 pa on the liquid. what force is exerted in the second piston of cross sectional area 3 m2?

Analyze the question A hydraulic press works on Pascal's principle: pressure applied to an enclosed liquid is transmitted equally throughout the liquid. We are given the pressure and the area of the second piston and need the force on it.

Concept Pressure = Force ÷ Area, so

F = P × A

Because the pressure is transmitted undiminished, the pressure at the second piston is the same as the pressure from the pump piston.

Solution

• Pressure transmitted, P = 100 Pa (100 N/m²)
• Area of second piston, A = 3 m²

F = P × A = 100 × 3 = 300 N

Answer The force on the second piston is 300 N, which is option A.

Tip In hydraulic press questions, if the pressure is given, just multiply by the area (F = PA). If forces and areas are given instead, use F₁/A₁ = F₂/A₂. Always check that the units are consistent (Pa = N/m²).