Two identical pistons are connected by a pipe. What is the mechanical advantage of the piston system?

The mechanical advantage of a system refers to the factor by which a machine multiplies the force applied to it. In the case of two identical pistons connected by a pipe, we assume that they are of the same size and operate under Pascal's principle, which states that pressure exerted on a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout the fluid.

When two identical pistons are used in a hydraulic system, the size and area of both pistons are the same. As a result, the input force applied to one piston is transmitted to the other piston with equal effectiveness, meaning that for every unit of force applied, there is an equal unit of force produced at the other piston. This configuration creates a mechanical advantage of 1.

In simpler terms, the force you exert on one piston is directly mirrored by the force exerted by the other piston, without any multiplication of force. Thus, the mechanical advantage remains unchanged at a ratio of 1:1. This is why the correct answer is that the mechanical advantage of this piston system is indeed one.