Chapter 8, Problem 3TC

Rank the amount of force the right-hand piston can lift, from greatest to least.

To determine

The order of the force of the right-hand piston from greatest to least.

Answer to Problem 3TC

The right-hand piston of container A lifts the greatest force than right-hand piston C lifts force and the right-hand piston of the container B lifts the least force.

Explanation of Solution

The pressure applied on any surface of the liquid in a container transmits in equal magnitude in all directions of the liquid in the container.

The mass at the left-hand piston of all containers is same, so the same force is acting on the left-hand piston of all containers. The area of the left-hand piston is same in all containers, so the pressure at the left-hand piston of all containers is same.

The pressure from the left-hand side piston of all containers is transmitted to the right-hand piston. The pressure transmitted to the right-hand piston is same for all containers, but the force lifted by right-hand pistons depends on their respective area. The less is the area of the right-hand piston of the container, the more force can be lifted.

The area of the right-hand piston of container B is greatest, so the least force that the right-hand piston in this container lift. The area of the right-hand piston of container A is least, so the greatest force the right-hand piston of container A lifts.

Conclusion:

Therefore, The right-hand piston of container A lifts the greatest force than right-hand piston C lifts force and the right-hand piston of the container B lifts the least force.