Pascal's Fluid Law
Pressure applied to an enclosed fluid transmits equally in all directions
Pressure: — | Output Force: —
Pascal's Law (1653): pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout. A small piston with area A₁ exerts pressure P = F₁/A₁. The large piston with area A₂ experiences force F₂ = P × A₂, giving mechanical advantage A₂/A₁. This is the principle behind hydraulic presses, car brakes, and excavator arms.