In which direction does the force of a double-acting cylinder act?

The force of a double-acting cylinder acts in two directions because it has the capability to exert force on both the extend and retract strokes. In a double-acting cylinder, hydraulic fluid can enter the cylinder to push the piston in one direction while simultaneously allowing fluid to exit the other side for retraction. This design allows the piston to perform work in both directions, making it versatile for various applications.

The reason this choice is correct is fundamentally tied to the operation of the double-acting cylinder. Unlike single-acting cylinders which only have force in one direction (usually through the extension stroke), double-acting cylinders can be used for lifting, pushing, or pulling loads back and forth. This characteristic is what makes them particularly useful in industrial machinery, automation, and other applications requiring linear motion in both directions.

While options such as horizontally and vertically refer to specific orientations of force, they do not encapsulate the complete functionality of the double-acting cylinder. The statement about all directions does not accurately address the design of the double-acting cylinder either, since it specifically operates in two opposing directions (forward and backward), rather than covering every possible directional application.