Pulley facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Polea-simple-fija
Diagram of a fixed pulley (brown) that can raise or lower a weight (dark gray) using a rope (light gray)
Polea-simple-movil2
Movable pulley

A pulley is a simple machine that is used to lift heavy objects. It is sometimes called a block and tackle. Pulleys are usually used in sets designed to make the amount of force needed to lift something smaller.

Types of pulleys

  • Static A static or class 1 pulley has an axle that is "staticed" or is stationary, meaning that it cannot be moved. A fixed pulley is used to redirect the force in a rope (called a belt when it goes in a full circle). A fixed pulley has a mechanical advantage of 1. The static pulley has a wheel and an axle.
  • Movable A movable or class 2 pulley has an axle that is "free" to move in space. A movable pulley is used to transform forces. A movable pulley has a mechanical advantage of 2. That is, if one end of the rope is anchored, pulling on the other end of the rope will apply a doubled force to the object attached to the pulley.
  • Compound A compound pulley is a combination fixed and movable pulley system.
    • Block and tackle - A block and tackle is a compound pulley where several pulleys are mounted on each axle, further increasing the mechanical advantage. Plutarch reported that Archimedes moved an entire warship, laden with men, using compound pulleys and his own strength.

Pulleys are useful in construction sites.

Images for kids

  • Pulley in Oil Well

    Pulley in oil derrick

  • Flachriemen

    Flat belt on a belt pulley

  • Keilriemen-V-Belt

    Belt and pulley system

  • PutnamLatheHagley01

    Cone pulley driven from above by a line shaft

  • Tackles

    Various ways of rigging a tackle.

  • Crane pulley 4x

    A hoist using the compound pulley system yielding an advantage of 4. The single fixed pulley is installed on the hoist (device). The two movable pulleys (joined together) are attached to the hook. One end of the rope is attached to the crane frame, another to the winch.

  • Polispasto2B

    A gun tackle has a single pulley in both the fixed and moving blocks with two rope parts supporting the load W.

  • Polispasto4

    A double tackle has two pulleys in both the fixed and moving blocks with four rope parts supporting the load W.


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Pulley Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.