What type of system gets power from the pressure of circulating fluid?

• A. Hydraulic
• B. Pneumatic
• C. Solar
• D. Mechanical

Answer: (A)

Hydraulic systems get power from the pressure of circulating fluid. A pump pressurizes a liquid that stays confined in tubes and actuators, and because liquids are largely incompressible, that pressure is transmitted throughout the fluid to push on pistons or hydraulic motors, creating force and motion. The force you get depends on pressure and the area of the actuator (F = P × A), so a relatively small pump can produce large forces for lifting heavy loads or precise control. This is why hydraulic systems are favored for tasks requiring high force and good controllability. Pneumatic systems use compressible gas and therefore deliver less force and stiffness, while solar and purely mechanical options don’t rely on circulating fluid pressure to power motion.