Question

A heavy crate applies a force of 1500 N on a 25 m^2 piston. The smaller piston is 5 m^2. What force is needed to lift the crate?

Answer 1

300 N

Step-by-step explanation:

We can use the principle of Pascal's law to solve this problem. According to this law, pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished to every part of the fluid and to the walls of the container.

In this case, the fluid is confined in two cylinders with pistons of different sizes. The force applied on the larger piston is transmitted through the fluid and acts on the smaller piston, resulting in a larger force on the smaller piston.

We know that the force applied on the larger piston is 1500 N and the area of the larger piston is 25 m^2. Therefore, the pressure applied on the fluid is:

P = F/A = 1500 N / 25 m^2 = 60 Pa

This pressure is transmitted undiminished to every part of the fluid and acts on the smaller piston, which has an area of 5 m^2. Therefore, the force acting on the smaller piston is:

F = P × A = 60 Pa × 5 m^2 = 300 N

Therefore, a force of 300 N is needed to lift the crate.