Question

Hydraulic brakes are based on
A. Pascal’s law
B. Torricelli’s law
C. Newton’s law
D. Boyle’s law

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, we will discuss the working principle of hydraulic brakes. We will also discuss the law given in the options to relate it with the mechanism of hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic word basically refers to fluid. So, hydraulic brakes use fluid for its mechanism. Hydraulic braking system utilizes the conversion of pressure energy into work to stop the vehicle. The pressure on the fluid inside the vehicle creates an air compression brake.

Complete solution:
The working principle of Hydraulic brakes is based on the application of principle of multiplication of thrust from Pascal’s law. This principle was outlined by the French scientist Blaise Pascal. In fluid mechanics, Pascal’s principle which is also known as Pascal’s law, states that in a fluid at rest in a closed container, the pressure on all planes going through a particular point will be the same i.e. their magnitudes will be the same. Similarly, in hydraulic brakes, pressure is applied on the fluid and the pressure is distributed uniformly in all directions which leads in generating the energy.

Hence, the correct option is A.

Note:
To solve this question, students must know about Pascal’s law and hydraulic brakes. Pascal also found that the pressure at a point in a fluid at rest is the same in all directions. According to Pascal’s law, a pressure change in one part is transmitted without loss to every part of the fluid and the container walls. Hydraulic press also works on the principle of Pascal’s law. Fluids are used instead of gas in liquid brakes as liquids are incompressible. All the hydraulic machines like hydraulic press, hydraulic lift etc. are based on Pascal’s law.