Pulleys

Count the ropes

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• A fixed pulley changes the direction of force (MA = 1).
• Block and tackle: MA = the number of rope segments supporting the load.
• Force × distance (work) stays the same.

Steps

1. One fixed pulley
2. Block and tackle
3. Lift a piano
4. Design the tackle
5. Friction in the pulleys
6. Rope needed