What system does a hydraulic elevator utilize to lift the elevator car?

A hydraulic elevator operates using a plunger and fluid system, which is fundamental to its lifting mechanism. In this system, a hydraulic cylinder is filled with hydraulic fluid, which is typically oil. When the fluid is pumped into the cylinder, it exerts pressure on a piston (the plunger), causing it to move upward and lift the elevator car.

This method of operation allows for smooth and powerful lifting, making it particularly effective for low-rise buildings where the height isn't too great for hydraulic operation. The design of hydraulic elevators provides advantages such as a smaller space requirement for equipment and reduced wear on the components, as the system operates more gently compared to other lifting mechanisms.

Other systems, such as counterweights or cables, while used in different types of elevators, are not involved in the operation of hydraulic elevators. The reliance on fluid dynamics distinguishes the hydraulic system, making it the correct choice for this question.