Pulley Basics
What is a pulley?
A simple machine that helps lift a load or change the direction of a force.
Name the three main types of pulleys
Fixed Pulley
Movable Pulley
Compound Pulley
What does Mechanical Advantage mean?
Using a machine (like a pulley) to reduce the amount of force needed to lift a load.
Name one real-world example of a pulley system
Clotheslines, cranes, sailboats, or exercise equipment.
Why are pulleys useful in everyday life?
They help make lifting and moving heavy things easier.
Which type of pulley only changes the direction of a force?
A Fixed Pulley
In a fixed pulley system, if you pull down on the rope, what happens to the load?
The load moves up.
Why do cranes use compound pulleys?
To lift really heavy loads with less force.
Name two materials that pulleys are commonly made from
Hard plastic or metal
What type of pulley system has at least one fixed and one moveable pulley?
A Compound Pulley System
Ava uses a pulley that moves with the load. She pulls lots of rope, but lifting feels easier. What type of pulley is this?
Moveable Pulley. It reduces the effort needed to lift the load.
What kind of pulley system does a crane use?
A Compound Pulley System
What are the 5 main parts of a pulley system?
Wheel
Axle
Hook
Rope
Mounting bracket
What is another name for a compound pulley?
Block and tackle.
If a person is using a fixed pulley to lift a bucket into a treehouse, what force do they apply?
A downward force.
Why don’t clothesline pulleys make things feel lighter?
Because they only change direction, not the force needed.
Why is the bracket an important part of a pulley system?
It keeps the pulley in one place so it can work properly.
How are moveable and compound pulleys different?
A moveable pulley makes lifting easier. A compound pulley makes lifting easier and changes direction.
Why does a moveable pulley require more rope to be pulled?
For every meter you pull the rope, the load only moves half a meter.
Why might someone use a pulley instead of carrying materials up a ladder when building a treehouse?
A pulley lets you stay on the ground and pull the materials up safely and with less effort.