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21 Jan 2026

3 pages

Understanding Hydraulics: Fluid Pressure Explained

Ever wondered how a car jack can lift a massive... Show more

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WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

Hydraulic Force Calculations

Hydraulic systems work on a simple principle: pressure spreads equally through liquids. When you apply force to a small piston, that same pressure gets transmitted to a larger piston, creating a much bigger force output.

The key formula you need to master is P = F/A Pressure=Force÷AreaPressure = Force ÷ Area. Once you calculate the pressure from the master cylinder, you can work out the force produced by the slave cylinder.

Let's break down the first example: 50N force on 0.01m² creates 5000 N/m² pressure. Since pressure stays constant throughout the system, the larger 0.03m² slave cylinder produces 150N of force.

Top Tip: Always remember that pressure remains the same on both pistons - it's the different areas that create the force multiplication effect!

WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

The second set of problems shows you exactly how to tackle hydraulic calculations systematically. Start by finding the pressure in the master cylinder, then use that same pressure value for the slave cylinder.

In Question 4, a tiny 20N force on a 0.0001m² piston creates an enormous 200,000 N/m² pressure. When this pressure acts on the much larger 0.05m² slave piston, you get a whopping 10,000N output force!

Question 5 switches things up by asking you to find the surface area instead of force. You rearrange the formula to get Area = Force ÷ Pressure, giving you 6cm² for the slave piston.

Remember: The pressure is always identical on both pistons - that's what makes hydraulics work so brilliantly!

WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

How Hydraulic Force Multipliers Work

Hydraulic force multipliers are genuinely fascinating pieces of engineering. When you push down on the master cylinder, you create pressure that travels through the liquid to reach the slave cylinder instantly.

The magic happens because pressure = force ÷ surface area. Since pressure stays constant throughout the system, a larger surface area on the slave cylinder automatically means a bigger force output. It's like getting something for nothing!

Think of it this way: if your slave cylinder has twice the surface area of your master cylinder, you'll get twice the force out. The trade-off? You'll need to move the master piston further to get the same distance movement on the slave piston.

Real-world connection: This is exactly how car brakes, hydraulic jacks, and even some theme park rides create their incredible forces from relatively small inputs!



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Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

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Sudenaz Ocak

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

91

21 Jan 2026

3 pages

Understanding Hydraulics: Fluid Pressure Explained

Ever wondered how a car jack can lift a massive vehicle with just a small pump? That's the power of hydraulics! These clever systems use liquid pressure to multiply forces, making impossible tasks surprisingly manageable.

WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Hydraulic Force Calculations

Hydraulic systems work on a simple principle: pressure spreads equally through liquids. When you apply force to a small piston, that same pressure gets transmitted to a larger piston, creating a much bigger force output.

The key formula you need to master is P = F/A Pressure=Force÷AreaPressure = Force ÷ Area. Once you calculate the pressure from the master cylinder, you can work out the force produced by the slave cylinder.

Let's break down the first example: 50N force on 0.01m² creates 5000 N/m² pressure. Since pressure stays constant throughout the system, the larger 0.03m² slave cylinder produces 150N of force.

Top Tip: Always remember that pressure remains the same on both pistons - it's the different areas that create the force multiplication effect!

WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

The second set of problems shows you exactly how to tackle hydraulic calculations systematically. Start by finding the pressure in the master cylinder, then use that same pressure value for the slave cylinder.

In Question 4, a tiny 20N force on a 0.0001m² piston creates an enormous 200,000 N/m² pressure. When this pressure acts on the much larger 0.05m² slave piston, you get a whopping 10,000N output force!

Question 5 switches things up by asking you to find the surface area instead of force. You rearrange the formula to get Area = Force ÷ Pressure, giving you 6cm² for the slave piston.

Remember: The pressure is always identical on both pistons - that's what makes hydraulics work so brilliantly!

WORKED EXAMPLES

LET'S RECAP

50 N

Hydraulics - a recap!

0.01 m²

0.03 m²

slave

F
PXA

?

Calculate the size of the force exerted by the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

How Hydraulic Force Multipliers Work

Hydraulic force multipliers are genuinely fascinating pieces of engineering. When you push down on the master cylinder, you create pressure that travels through the liquid to reach the slave cylinder instantly.

The magic happens because pressure = force ÷ surface area. Since pressure stays constant throughout the system, a larger surface area on the slave cylinder automatically means a bigger force output. It's like getting something for nothing!

Think of it this way: if your slave cylinder has twice the surface area of your master cylinder, you'll get twice the force out. The trade-off? You'll need to move the master piston further to get the same distance movement on the slave piston.

Real-world connection: This is exactly how car brakes, hydraulic jacks, and even some theme park rides create their incredible forces from relatively small inputs!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content in Physics

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user