Hydraulics

Multiplying the force or distance activity.
Construct the hydraulic system on the right. Challenge your friends to hold down the plunger of the large (10ml) syringe while you push down on the plunger of the small 2.5ml syringe.
Strange that a small piston can generate so much force. Click for further information
Connect a 2.5ml syringe to a 10ml syringe as shown.
Design a hydraulic system to lift a small mass, maximum distance off the ground with as little movement from the controlling syringe as possible. Click to see a 120kb movie.