How does a small hydraulic jack let one person lift a whole car?
By Pascal's law, pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally everywhere.
By Pascal's law, pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally everywhere. So P = F1/A1 = F2/A2, giving F2 = F1 × (A2/A1). Push with a small force on a small piston, and a large piston with (say) 50× the area pushes back with 50× the force. You trade distance for force — the big piston moves only 1/50th as far.
Key point
F2 = F1 × (A2/A1): a bigger output piston multiplies the force.
Common mistake
thinking force is created for free — the large piston moves a much smaller distance.
Memory tip
Pascal's law multiplies force by area ratio, conserving work.
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