What is a pulley?
A pulley is a simple machine. It is made of a wheel with a groove and a rope that runs over the wheel.
A pulley helps us lift heavy things more easily. When we pull the rope down, the load on the other end goes up.
Key idea
A pulley changes the way we pull. Pulling down feels easier than lifting a heavy load straight up.
Pulleys around us
We can see pulleys in many places:
- A flagpole uses a pulley to raise the flag.
- A well uses a pulley to bring up a bucket of water.
- A big crane uses pulleys to lift heavy loads.
Remember
- A pulley has a wheel and a rope.
- It makes lifting easier.
- Pull down, and the load goes up.