A force of 200 N is applied at piston A, which has a surface area of 4

cm 2. The pressure is transferred through oil to piston B which applies

a force of 3000 N. Calculate the surface area of piston B.

60 cm²

Explanation:

Pressure = Force / Surface area

This is a 2 stage problem which requires working out pressure of piston A and then using that pressure from piston A to calculate the surface area of piston B

Firstly work out pressure of Piston A:

Pressure = 200 / 4

Pressure = 50 N/cm²

Then work out the Surface area of piston B:

Since the pressure is transferred the pressure stays the same so:

Surface area = Force / Pressure

Surface area = 3000 / 50

Surface area = 60 cm²