Piston Conundrum: Does it Move?

[glycerunnin]

Homework Statement

In the picture below, the pressure on either side of the piston is equivalent. The question asks which direction the piston moves (or if it even moves at all).

http://imageshack.us/a/img203/1830/photoon3613at919pm.jpg

Homework Equations

P1*V1 = P2*V2 = C

P = F*A

The Attempt at a Solution

Moving the piston to the left decreases volume in the cylinder, and moving the piston to the right increases the volume in the cylinder, but I see no reason for the piston to move if the pressure on both sides is equal. Also, the force on the right side of the piston is less than that on the left side, making the force greater on the right side if we use the equation P = F*A and pressure is equal on both sides. At first glance it just looks like it will not move, but I feel like I am underthinking it.

 

[ehild]

What is that in the left end of the tube?

ehild

 

[rude man]

What is that in the left end of the tube?

ehild

Probably a stopper.

 

[collinsmark]

Also, the force on the right side of the piston is less than that on the left side, [...]

Well, that depends. What is the pressure on the outside of the entire apparatus? More specifically, how does the pressure on the outside of the apparatus compare to the pressure inside? That plays a role, given that the shaft is sticking out.

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Edit:

Oh, and by the way,

[...] the equation P = F*A [...]

I think you mean F = PA.