Hydraulics uses pressurized fluids to transmit and control force in a system. It operates based on Pascal's law where pressure is transmitted equally in all directions throughout an enclosed fluid. A basic hydraulic system includes a pump, reservoir, filter, control valve, actuator and return line. Hydraulics is commonly used in heavy equipment, manufacturing and aircraft due to its ability to produce high pressures and precisely control movements. Common components include gear pumps, cylinders, directional control valves and accumulators. Hydraulic systems are visualized through circuit diagrams and simulations.