A car is fitted with hydraulic brakes that consist of a narrow master cylinder…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Mechanical Properties of Fluids · Mechanical Properties of Fluids
Problem
A car is fitted with hydraulic brakes that consist of a narrow master cylinder connected by brake fluid to wider wheel cylinders at the four wheels.
(i) Explain why the pressure produced inside the brake fluid is the same at the master cylinder and at each wheel cylinder.
(ii) Describe how a modest force applied by the driver’s foot at the master cylinder is able to exert a much larger force on each brake shoe.
(iii) Air bubbles sometimes enter the brake line. Explain clearly why the presence of air reduces the efficiency of the braking system.