Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What principle describes how hydraulic pressure is transmitted through a confined brake fluid?

Pascal's law describes how pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in all directions. In a hydraulic brake system, pushing the brake pedal raises pressure in the master cylinder; because the brake fluid is enclosed and essentially incompressible, that increased pressure is transmitted through the fluid to all the wheel calipers. The result is pistons at the brakes moving and applying force to the pads. The braking force at the wheels comes from pressure times piston area, which is why hydraulic systems can multiply input force. Bernoulli's principle deals with pressure changes due to fluid speed, Hooke's law with springs, and Ohm's law with electrical circuits, so they don't describe how pressure is transmitted in a confined brake fluid.

Pascal's law describes how pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in all directions. In a hydraulic brake system, pushing the brake pedal raises pressure in the master cylinder; because the brake fluid is enclosed and essentially incompressible, that increased pressure is transmitted through the fluid to all the wheel calipers. The result is pistons at the brakes moving and applying force to the pads. The braking force at the wheels comes from pressure times piston area, which is why hydraulic systems can multiply input force. Bernoulli's principle deals with pressure changes due to fluid speed, Hooke's law with springs, and Ohm's law with electrical circuits, so they don't describe how pressure is transmitted in a confined brake fluid.