Pulleys

A pulley is a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim, through which a rope, chain, or belt runs. There are several types of pulleys:
Fixed Pulley: The wheel is fixed in place, and the rope moves over it. The main advantage is that it changes the direction of the force, making it easier to lift an object.
Movable Pulley: The wheel is attached to the load, and as the rope moves, the load is lifted. This type reduces the amount of force needed to lift a load, though the distance the rope is pulled is increased.
Compound Pulley: A combination of fixed and movable pulleys. This system provides mechanical advantage and is used for heavy lifting tasks.

Pulleys are widely used in cranes, construction equipment, and everyday devices like flagpoles and clotheslines. They simplify the process of lifting objects by reducing the force needed, depending on how they are configured.