Which component of the braking system helps to multiply the force applied by the driver?

The power booster is an essential component of the braking system that enhances the driver's ability to apply sufficient brake force with minimal effort. It operates by using vacuum assistance to amplify the force exerted by the driver on the brake pedal. When the driver applies the brake, the power booster increases that force before it is transmitted to the master cylinder, which then activates the brakes themselves. This amplification allows for easier braking, particularly beneficial in larger or heavier vehicles that require more braking force to slow down or stop effectively.

Other components play crucial roles in the braking system, but they do not serve the same purpose as the power booster in terms of amplifying the driver's input. For instance, the master cylinder is responsible for generating hydraulic pressure but does not multiply the force; it merely converts the pedal force into hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic actuator facilitates the movement of brake components, and the brake pads are the friction components that actually make contact with the brake rotors to create the stopping power. However, they do not augment the force applied by the driver, making the power booster the key element that multiplies that force effectively.