p3_12_worksheet
AQA GCSE Physics Using physics to make things work (P3.2)
Hydraulics
1
Pressure in solids
Look at each of the statements below. Explain each one, in terms of pressure.
a) Tractors have wide tyres.
b) Stilleto heels are often banned from halls with wooden floors.
c) Wearing snowshoes helps you to avoid sinking into snow.
d) A sharp knife cuts through materials more easily.
e) A camel’s wide feet help it to avoid sinking into soft sand.
2
Pressure in liquids
The container below is completely filled with water.
a) Draw arrows on the diagram to show the direction in which the water applies pressure
to the walls of the container.
b) Explain why it is not possible to squash the container while it is filled with water.
COLLINS NEW GCSE SCIENCE
© HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2011
p3_12_worksheet
AQA GCSE Physics Using physics to make things work (P3.2)
c) Look at the simple hydraulic system below and explain how it produces an output
force.
3
Hydraulic systems
a) A force of 200 N is applied to a piston of cross-sectional area 2 cm2. What is the
pressure in:
i.
N/cm2
ii.
Pa
b) A liquid is placed under a pressure of 2000 N/mm2. What force is exerted across an
area of 25 mm2?
c) Look at the diagram below of a hydraulic system:
i)
ii)
The area of piston A is 0.0004 m2. What is the pressure in the liquid?
What is the pressure exerted on piston B?
iii) Piston B has a cross-sectional area of 0.01 m2. What is the size of the output force?
iv) What is the ratio: piston B area
piston A area
v)
What is the ratio: output force
input force
COLLINS NEW GCSE SCIENCE
© HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2011