Final answer:
In a hydraulic brake system, the equalizing piston balances the pressure in the brake pipe with the pressure in the slave or wheel cylinders, ensuring consistent force is applied to each wheel when braking.
Step-by-step explanation:
By means of the equalizing piston, the pressure in the brake pipe is made equal to that in the slave cylinders or wheel cylinders. This application of Pascal's principle ensures that when the driver applies force to the brake pedal, this force is transmitted undiminished through the hydraulic brake system.
A pressure P1 exerted at the master cylinder is equal to pressure P2 at the corresponding wheel cylinders, denoted as P1 = P2. This equal pressure ensures that each wheel cylinder receives the same pressure and generates the same force output F2, allowing for consistent braking action.