A 12,000-N Car Is Raised Using a Hydraulic $U \text {-tube }$

Multiple Choice

A 12,000-N car is raised using a hydraulic lift, which consists of a $U \text {-tube }$ with arms of unequal areas, filled with oil and capped at both ends with tight-fitting pistons. The wider arm of the $\text { U-tube }$ has a radius of 18.0 cm and the narrower arm has a radius of 5.00 cm. The car rests on the piston on the wider arm of the U-tube. The pistons are initially at the same level. What is the initial force that must be applied to the smaller piston in order to start lifting the car? For purposes of this problem, neglect the weight of the pistons.

A) 727 N
B) 9265 N
C) 3.33 kN
D) 2.90 kN
E) 1.20 kN