Physics Laws & Theorems
Intermediate

Pascal's Law

Pressure applied to a confined fluid transmits equally in all directions.

Formula

P=F1A1=F2A2P = \frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2}

Variables

FForce
AArea

Example

A hydraulic jack lets a small force on a small piston lift a car on a large piston.

Did You Know?

Pascal's law lets a car's tiny brake pedal generate enough force to stop two tons — hydraulics multiply force.