Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A pulley system consists of one or more wheels with grooves along their edges connected by a rope or belt. It is used to transmit force, change the direction of force, or multiply force in a mechanical system.
Related terms
Tension: Tension is the pulling force transmitted through a rope, string, or cable when it is pulled at both ends. In a pulley system, tension can vary depending on the arrangement of ropes and the load being lifted.
Mechanical Advantage: Mechanical advantage refers to the ratio of output force to input force in a machine or system. In a pulley system, it represents how much easier it is to lift an object compared to lifting it directly.
Friction: Friction is the resistance that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact with each other. In a pulley system, friction can affect its efficiency and cause energy losses due to heat production.