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Pulley Mechanical Advantage

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About This MicroSim

This visualization compares three different pulley configurations, demonstrating how the number of supporting rope segments determines mechanical advantage.

Configurations Shown

  1. Single Fixed Pulley (MA = 1): Changes direction only, no force advantage
  2. Single Movable Pulley (MA = 2): Two rope segments support load, force halved
  3. Block and Tackle (MA = 4): Four rope segments, force quartered

Key Equations

  • Mechanical Advantage: MA = Number of supporting rope segments
  • Applied Force: F = Load Weight / MA
  • Rope Distance: d_rope = MA × d_load
  • Work Conservation: F × d_rope = W × d_load

Key Insight

Higher mechanical advantage reduces the force needed but requires pulling more rope. Work (energy) is always conserved!

Controls

  • Load Weight: Adjust the weight being lifted to see how applied force changes for each configuration