Pascal's Principle

Pascals Principle

1. Pascal's principle states that in a confined fluid, an externally applied pressure is

transmitted uniformly in all directions.
2. Pascal's principle is also known as the principle of transmission of pressure in a liquid.

Q&A

Q: Suggest an experiment to prove Pascals Principle.

A:

1. When the plunger is pushed in, the water squirts equally from all the holes.
2. This shows that the pressure applied to the plunger has been transmitted uniformly
throughout the water.

Hydraulic System

1. A hydraulic system applies Pascal's principle in its working mechanism. It can be used as
a force multiplier.
 2. In this hydraulic system, a small force, Fl is applied to the small piston X results in a
large force, F2 at the large piston Y. The pressure, due to the force, F1, is transmitted by
the liquid to the large piston.
3. According to Pascals principle,

F1A1=F2A2

Change of Oil Level in a Hydraulic System

In the diagram to the left, when piston-X is pressed down, piston-Y will be push up. The change
of the piston levels of the 2 pistons is given by the following equation:
h1A1=h2A2

Applications of Pascal's Principle

Hydraulic Braking System

In most vehicle, hydraulic system is used in the braking system, as shown in the figure below.
Usually, a disc brake is used in the front wheel of a car while a drum brake is used in the back wheel of a
car.

Working Mechanism of Hydraulic Brake

1. When the brake pedal is pressed, the piston of the master cylinder applies a pressure on the
brake fluid.
2. This pressure is transmitted uniformly to each cylinder at the wheel, cause the pistons at the
wheels to push the brake shoes to press against the surface of the brake.
3. The friction between the brakes and brake shoes causes the vehicle to slow down and stop.

Q&A

Q: Why is it dangerous if air bubble is trapped in the brake fluid of a braking system.

A:

1. If air bubble is present in the fluid, the fluid become compressible.

2. This may prevent pressure transmits through the fluid and hence causing ineffective braking
effect.

Q&A

Q: Why oil but not water is used as the hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic brake system?

A:

1. Because the boiling point of oil is much higher than water. This can prevent the hydraulic fluid
from boiling when the brake is very hot.
2. Water may cause rusting in the part of the braking system
Hydraulic Jack

Working mechanism of a hydraulic jack.

1. When the handle is pressed down, valve A is closed whereas valve B is opened. The hydraulic
fluid is forced into the large cylinder and hence pushes the piston moving upward.

2. When the handle is raised, valve B will be closed while vale A will be opened. Hydraulic fluid
from the buffer tank will be suck into the small cylinder.

3. This process is repeated until the load is sufficiently lifted up.

4. The large piston can be lowered down by releasing the hydraulic fluid back to the buffer tank
through the release vale.