GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Hydraulic Calculations

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Forces Pressure and pressure differences in fluids

Hydraulic Calculations

5:52 Fluids and Hydraulics
Spec 4.5.5.1.1
Previous Hydraulics Next Pressure & Depth
  • Pressure input to a hydraulic system equals pressure output.
  • Hydraulic systems transfer pressures through incompressible liquids, aiding in force transfer and amplification.
  • In hydraulic calculations, input pressure equals output pressure due to consistent pressure throughout the liquid.
  • Example: A hydraulic lift uses input force on a pedal to raise a platform.
  • Input force is applied to the pedal, and output force is exerted by the liquid on the platform.
  • Pressure is calculated as force divided by area.
  • Input force/area equals output force/area.
  • Key to solving hydraulics problems: identify input/output forces and areas, and maintain pressure relation.
  • Example calculation: Hydraulic lift raises a 10m�� platform with a 10 kN car.
  • Calculate minimum force on a 0.2m�� pedal to lift the platform.
  • Step 1: List key information and check units.
  • Input: pedal area 0.2m��, Output: platform area 10m��, car weight 10 kN.
  • Minimum upward force needed equals car weight (10,000 N).
  • Step 2: Calculate pressure exerted by car on platform.
  • Pressure = force/area; car exerts 1000 pascals on platform.
  • Step 3: Determine pressure needed on pedal to overcome car's weight.
  • Input pressure must equal output pressure (1000 pascals).
  • Step 4: Rearrange pressure equation to solve for force.
  • Force = pressure �� area.
  • Step 5: Substitute values to calculate force.
  • Pedal area 0.2m��, pressure 1000 pascals; force needed is 200 newtons.
  • Small force required to raise heavy car due to hydraulic system efficiency.

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