Which principle does a hydraulic system operate on?

A hydraulic system operates on Pascal's Principle, which states that when a change in pressure is applied to an enclosed fluid at rest, the pressure change occurs equally throughout the fluid in all directions. This principle allows hydraulic systems to multiply force, enabling them to lift heavy loads with relatively small input forces.

For instance, in an automotive hydraulic brake system, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the force is transmitted through hydraulic fluid to brake calipers, which applies that same force evenly to the brake pads, stopping the vehicle effectively. This illustrates how Pascal's Principle facilitates the operation and efficiency of hydraulic systems, providing the foundation for various applications where force multiplication and precise control are required.