If a 240 N force F1 is applied to the piston with the 4 cm diameter, what is the magnitude of the force F2 that can be resisted by the piston with the 10 cm diameter

38.4 N.

Explanation:

From pascal's principle,

Pressure applied to the first piston = pressure applied to the second piston

F1/A1 = F2/A2 ... Equation 1

Where F1 = Force applied to the first piston, A1 = Area of the first piston, F2 = force applied to the second piston, A2 = Area of the second piston.

But,

A1 = πd₁²/4 ... Equation 2

A2 = πd₂²/4 ... Equation 3

Where d₁ and d₂ are the diameter of the first and second piston respectively.

Substitute equation 2 and equation 3 into equation 1

F1/πd₁²/4 = F2/πd₂²/4

F1/d₁² = F2/d₂² ... Equation 4

make F2 the subject of the equation,

F2 = (F1*d₂) / d₁² ... Equation 5

Given: F1 = 240 N, d₁ = 4 cm, d₂ = 10 cm.

Substitute into equation 5

F2 = (240*4²) / 10²

F2 = 38.4 N.