In a hydraulic press the small piston has an area of 2 square inches and the large one 10 square inches. A force of 50 pounds on the small piston produces what force at the large one?

Correct answer to question 38 (Mechanical Comprehension): 250 pounds

Method

Pressure is 50 / 2 = 25 pounds per square inch throughout, and acting on 10 square inches that gives 25 x 10 = 250 pounds. The large piston moves only a fifth as far, so no energy is gained.