A hydraulic system contains two pistons. The smaller piston has an area of $5,{\text{cm}}^2$ and the larger piston has an area of $20,{\text{cm}}^2$. A force of $10,\text{N}$ is applied on the smaller piston. Calculate the force exerted on the larger piston.

Step-by-step solution

1. Find pressure on the small piston: $P=\frac{F}{A}=\frac{10,\text{N}}{5,{\text{cm}}^2}$; convert area to $5\times 10^{-4},{\text{m}}^2$ to get $P=20000,\text{Pa}$.
2. Use the same pressure on the large piston: $F=P,A=20000,\text{Pa}\times 20\times 10^{-4},{\text{m}}^2$.
3. Compute $F=20000\times 0.002=40,\text{N}$.
4. Therefore the force on the larger piston is $40,\text{N}$.

Concept tested: Pascal’s law – pressure is transmitted undiminished

Published 7 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked