Pulleys

Definition

A pulley is a grooved wheel with a rope, chain, or cable running along the groove.

Fixed Pulleys

A fixed pulley is similar to a 1st class lever!

The wheel is the fulcrum and the rope on both sides is the effort and resistance!

A fixed pulley is attached to something that doesn’t move, like the ceiling or wall– Ex: Elevator

Fixed pulleys do NOT increase force. They only change direction. Small IMA!

Fixed Pulleys

Movable Pulleys

A movable pulley is one in which one end of the rope is fixed and the wheel is free to move.

Movable pulleys DO increase force and therefore can have a large MA!

Movable Pulleys

Block and Tackle Pulleys

Block and tackle pulleys are a combination of fixed and movable pulleys.

They can have a large MA!

Block and Tackle Pulleys