Definition

Noun: * Pascal's law: A fundamental principle in fluid mechanics stating that when pressure is applied to a confined, incompressible fluid, that pressure change is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and to the walls of the containing vessel. The force resulting from this pressure acts at right angles to any surface in contact with the fluid.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The operation of a hydraulic lift is a direct demonstration of Pascal's law.
  • Pascal's law explains why squeezing a tube of toothpaste causes paste to emerge from the opening.
  • Engineers rely on Pascal's law when designing braking systems for cars and heavy machinery.

Advanced Usage

• "An application of Pascal's law": A device or system whose function is based on this principle.
  • The hydraulic press is a classic application of Pascal's law.
• "According to Pascal's law": Used to introduce a statement or prediction based on the principle.
  • According to Pascal's law, the pressure at the bottom of both connected cylinders must be equal.

Variants and Related Words

• Pascal's principle: A synonymous term for Pascal's law.
• Hydraulics (n): The branch of science and technology concerned with the conveyance of liquids through pipes and channels, especially as a source of mechanical force or control, fundamentally based on Pascal's law.
• Hydrostatics (n): The branch of fluid mechanics that studies fluids at rest, within which Pascal's law is a key concept.

Synonyms

• Pascal's principle

Related Phrases

• Transmission of fluid pressure: The core concept described by the law.
• Confined fluid: A necessary condition for the law to apply.
• Incompressible fluid: An ideal condition assumed in the basic statement of the law.

Noun

1. pressure applied anywhere to a body of fluid causes a force to be transmitted equally in all directions; the force acts at right angles to any surface in contact with the fluid
   • the hydraulic press is an application of Pascal's law