In the same hydraulic system, when the small piston moves down 10 centimetres, how far does the large piston move, given the areas are 5 and 50 square centimetres?

Correct answer to question 175 (Mechanical Comprehension): 1 centimetre

Method

Fluid volume is conserved, so the large piston moves less in proportion to its larger area: 10 x (5/50) = 1 centimetre.