Pulley systems

Pulley systems

Online interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
This task is about investigating pulleys.
Drawn below are two different ways pulleys can be set up, and how a load can be lifted using no pulley.
 
pulley-systems.png
 
Set up each of these systems in turn and measure the force that is required to lift the load in each case.

Question 1Change answer

a)  Complete this table to show your results
Effort needed to raise load in Newtons
Load No pulley Fixed pulley Fixed and moveable pulleys
200g
400g
600g

Question 1Change answer

Effort needed to raise load in Newtons
Load No pulley Fixed pulley Fixed and moveable pulleys
200g
400g
600g
b)  Why are readings taken for lifting the masses (load) i.e., no pulley, using just the force meter?

Question 1Change answer

Effort needed to raise load in Newtons
Load No pulley Fixed pulley Fixed and moveable pulleys
200g
400g
600g
c)  From your results write a conclusion about the effort force needed with the different types of pulleys.

Question 1Change answer

Effort needed to raise load in Newtons
Load No pulley Fixed pulley Fixed and moveable pulleys
200g
400g
600g
d)  Carefully describe two situations in which a pulley system would be useful.
1. 
2. 
Task administration: 
Equipment
2 small pulleys; known masses which need to make up 200 g, 400 g, and 600 g; force meter; thin string; retort stand.
  • This task requires students to investigate the effectiveness of different pulley systems.
  • Students need to be familiar with masses and the use of force metres.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
pulleys, forces
Description of task: 
For this practical students are required to investigate how the use of pulleys affects the effort force needed to raise a load. Students gather results, write a conclusion, and describe two situations in which a pulley system would be useful.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.

Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss constructing and interpreting data tables.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
a)

Table completed, and readings are accurate.
 
b) For a comparison.
c)

Writes a conclusion based on results, which states which pulley would be
best to use and why.
d) Any 2 examples, e.g.,

  • cranes
  • lifting a load between floors