Hydraulic Press: Calculate Pressure

Use SI units to connect force, area and pressure.

All worksheets

5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

Gauge pressure means pressure above surrounding air pressure. In the ideal same-height model p = F/A, using net applied piston force. One pascal is one N/m^2. Convert areas before dividing: 1 cm^2 = 0.0001 m^2. Use diagrams and calculations only; never build or operate a press for this activity.

Worked example

A 12 N force over 3 cm^2 acts over 0.0003 m^2. Gauge pressure is 12 / 0.0003 = 40,000 Pa = 40 kPa.

Three square centimeters equals 0.0003 square meters. Dividing a force of 12 newtons by this area gives gauge pressure 40,000 pascals, or 40 kilopascals.

Would you believe it?

Many powered hydraulic machines use a motor-driven pump to supply energy. A large output force is not free energy; force and travel must both be counted.

OpenStax: hydraulic work and energy

Question 1 Convert 3 cm^2 to m^2. 0.0003 m^2 0.03 m^2 300 m^2

Question 2 Calculate 12 N / 0.0003 m^2. 400 Pa 0.0036 Pa 40,000 Pa

Question 3 Convert 40,000 Pa to kPa. 4 kPa 40 kPa 400 kPa

Question 4 At 40,000 Pa, what force acts over 0.0012 m^2? 48 N 12 N 480 N

Question 5 Gauge pressure is measured relative to what here? Zero temperature The mass of the piston Surrounding air pressure

Review your work

0correct

Complete the questions to review each answer.

View dashboard