What is the principle of Pascal's Law?

Learn the essentials for your FE Mechanical exam. Study with our questions and explanations, designed to prepare you thoroughly for exam day.

Pascal's Law states that when a change in pressure is applied to an enclosed fluid, that change is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid in all directions. This principle is fundamental in understanding how hydraulic systems work, such as hydraulic lifts and brakes, where a small force applied at one point can generate a much larger force at another point due to the uniform transmission of pressure in the fluid.

For example, if you apply pressure to a piston in a hydraulic system, the pressure increase will be felt equally throughout the fluid, allowing for the movement of another piston. This allows for efficient force multiplication, which is a critical aspect in various engineering applications.

The other options reflect different fluid mechanics concepts but do not accurately describe Pascal’s Law. The understanding of this principle is essential for mechanical engineering applications involving fluid dynamics and hydraulics.

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