Hydraulic Press: Follow a Push

Trace how a push can be passed through trapped liquid.

All worksheets

5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

Read the input arrow first. The small piston pushes on liquid; the connected liquid pushes on the other piston. This picture is a simplified model, not instructions to use a machine. Use diagrams and calculations only; never build or operate a press for this activity.

Worked example

In this drawing the small piston moves down. Liquid moves through the tube and the large piston can move up if the load allows.

A small input piston on the left pushes down on enclosed liquid. A tube connects to a wider output piston on the right, which can move up. Simplified picture, not an operating plan.

Would you believe it?

A hydraulic connection can bend. The enclosed liquid can transmit a pressure change along a curved route between pistons.

OpenStax: Pascal's principle

Question 1 Which piston receives the downward input push? The large right piston Neither piston The small left piston

Question 2 What passes the push through the connected space? A battery Liquid A rope

Question 3 Which way can the right piston move in this drawing? Up Always down Only sideways

Question 4 Does a drawing tell us to try a real press? Yes, with a friend Yes, if it looks small No

Question 5 What is a helpful way to explain the picture? Ignore the arrows Trace the liquid path Guess from the color of the title

Review your work

0correct

Complete the questions to review each answer.

View dashboard