"A force if 75 N is applied to a smaller piston, resulting in an upward force from a larger piston of 825 N. What is the ratio of the area of the larger piston to the area of the smaller piston?" This is a question relating to Pascal's Principle, so I think I need to use the formula P = f/a (Pressure = Force/Area). But I'm confused as to how I go about solving this problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Question

"A force if 75 N is applied to a smaller piston, resulting in an upward force from a larger piston of 825 N. What is the ratio of the area of the larger piston to the area of the smaller piston?" This is a question relating to Pascal's Principle, so I think I need to use the formula P = f/a (Pressure = Force/Area). But I'm confused as to how I go about solving this problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

anonymous · Answer

Isn't the pressure the same for both pistons?  If so, then P=75/area(1) and P=825/area(2)

Substituting 75/area(1) into the second equation you get 75/area(1) = 825/area(2) 

So now just rearrange the equation to get the ratio of areas on one side.

anonymous · Answer

Since you are not given the value for any of the two areas, the best you can do is to note the ratio of area(2)/area(1) is proportional the force of piston(2)/force of piston(1) and then simplify the force side of the proportion.

You get 825/75= area(2)/area(1)  So area(2)=11* area(1)  Area 2 is 11 times bigger than area 1.

anonymous · Answer

Or you can say the ratio is 11 to 1

anonymous · Answer

Oooh, okay! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Sorry for the late reply, I had to leave suddenly.  Thank you again!