49 Pulley Facts To Understand How The Simple Machine Works

Pulleys are used as a single machine or can be combined with other machines to transmit motion and energy.

Sheaves are one of the types of pulley, but with grooved rims. The pulley shafts are fixed to axes, and the power is transferred between them by a long belt running over the pulleys.

A mechanical device that changes the magnitude of a force and direction is a simple machine. They apply a single force against a single load of force. Simple machines are calculated as the work done by the applied force equal to the work done on the load. A pulley is one of these simple machines which explains their work.

Let's learn about such several pulleys in this article. If you loved this article, please check solar energy facts and phosphorous facts.

Fun Facts About The Pulley

A pulley is one of the simple machines that help in lifting heavy objects. The object is loaded to one of the ends, and from the other end, a rope is pulled to lift the heavy object. The most significant advantage of the pulley is that little application of force is enough to lift the objects. More than two pulleys transfer power from the rotating shaft to lift more oversized objects.

A pulley is a wheel that loops a rope over. Most pulleys are in a fixed position but there are also movable pulley mechanisms too. Some pulley systems make work more accessible, which allows the worker to apply less force on an object to move. For example, instead of pushing up a load, attach this load to a rope, and by pulling down, the load moves up. It takes less force and time. Many demonstrations of the use of a pulley can be seen in everyday work settings, just like the mentioned example.

The shafts of a pulley affixed to blocks or frames, a rope, and other flexible materials are called a block and tackle system.

The process of cable or threading blocks is called reeving and the block that is threaded is called a rove. A block and tackle system amplifies tension force. If unfortunately, the loss of friction is neglected, the mechanical advantage would be equal to the number of supporting rope sections.

An ideal block and tackle system supported by 'n' rope sections and has 'MA' as explained the following mathematical equation:

MA =FB/FA=n

Here, FA is hauling force; FB is load.

Facts About Uses Of The Pulley

A pulley has grooves around its circumference and flanges, and they help locate the belt or cable. The use of pulleys is seen directly or indirectly in our day-to-day life.

Compared with all the simple machines we use today, the origin of a pulley is still unknown. When people started to lift heavy objects with the help of tree limbs, the idea of a single fixed pulley came into existence to change the direction of the force but as there was no wheel to run, it resulted in friction.

The historical evidence of the pulley states that its use dates back to Ancient Egypt in the Twelfth Dynasty and that they were used in Mesopotamia, in the early second millennium. There is no record about when, where, and by whom the pulley was first invented but it is believed that Archimedes was the first person to develop a block and tackle system. The report of Plutarch states that Archimedes ran an entire warship laden with men, using his strength and the compound pulley.

Uses of the pulley in our everyday life include examples such as:

Elevators: They have multiple pulleys to function.

Curtains: In movie theaters, pulleys are used to pull them apart.

Exercise equipment: Many exercise machines function with the help of pulleys.

Bulldozer: The bulldozer is the best example of a pulley system.

Extend ladders are also made up of pulleys. In all the mentioned examples, they work under a cable system, which helps to lift and move objects easily.

Facts About Different Types Of Pulleys

Simple machines have made the life of a man so easier. These machines carry out tasks quicker, faster, and in a more efficient way. The pulley is one such machine that carries heavier and bulky objects with ease.

There are three types of pulleys: the compound pulley, movable pulleys, and fixed pulleys.

The axel and wheel of a fixed pulley stay in one place. It changes the direction of a belt or rope, which moves along its rim. In simple words, the fixed pulley is the drum with a single location attachment. It allows changing the direction of a force. The pole of a flag is an excellent example of a fixed pulley. When the rope is pulled down, Its direction of force is redirected by the pulley.

Movable pulleys have a movable block and an axle. A single pulley supports two sections of the same rope and provides the mechanical advantage of two. The drum moves as long as the load is moved. No change is seen in the direction, but the load becomes lighter. A zipline serves as the best example of a movable pulley. Though the two ends of a rope are attached, the pulley moves only along the metal cable or rope.

A compound pulley system has both moveable and fixed pulleys. This makes the load lighter, and it also enables us to change force direction. This system consists of more than two ropes or pulleys. The cranes that lift heavy objects at a construction site are the best example of machines built in such a manner. In addition to this, compound pulleys are observed on a sailing boat. A compound pulley system yielding an advantage of four will multiple the force applied to it by a factor of four, making it incredibly useful for lifting and moving heavy loads.

Complex pulley systems are used to move hefty loads. In such instances, the reduced magnitude of the force is required even though the magnitude increases a bit.

Facts About Parts Of A Pulley

Pulleys, be it a single pulley, movable pulley, or compound pulley are used in many different sectors and industries, they have many applications and are crucial for almost all machine operations in some way or another.

The wheel, axle, and rope are the three parts of a pulley.

The wheel is grooved, and it is used to hold the rope. An axle is used to support and change the movement of direction. The ropes fit into the grooves of the wheel and help in spinning.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 49 pulley facts to understand how the simple machine works, then why not take a look at paleolithic age tools or paleolithic houses.