Final answer:
The brake pedal applies a force, amplified by a hydraulic system following Pascal's principle, to the braking mechanism of a vehicle, slowing it down or stopping it. Applying force to the pedal increases pressure in the master cylinder, which is transmitted to the wheel cylinders to achieve braking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brake pedal in a vehicle's braking system is a crucial component that the driver uses to slow down or stop the car. When the driver applies force to the brake pedal, this force is transferred through a leverage system and amplified by a hydraulic system following Pascal's principle. In a typical car with hydraulic brakes, exerting force on the pedal results in increased force being applied by the master cylinder, which then transmits pressure to the slave or wheel cylinders attached to each wheel, causing the car to slow down or come to a stop.
For instance, if a force of 100 N is applied to the brake pedal, this force acts on the master cylinder through a lever mechanism, and the increased pressure as a result of this force is transmitted to the wheel cylinders. If a system is designed such that it increases the force by 100 times, then the area of the wheel cylinder will need to be 100 times the area of the pedal cylinder. As illustrated by hydraulic principles, the force exerted at each wheel cylinder would be substantially larger than the initial force applied to the pedal, enabling the vehicle to brake effectively even with a small initial pedal force.