Name _____________________________
Period: ____________
Date ___________
Lab Partners: _________________________________________________ Lab Station #: ________
Pulley Challenge Lab
Purpose: To explore the mechanical advantage provided by different pulley systems.
Problem Question: How do pulley systems change the force required to lift an object?
Hypothesis: Write a hypothesis about how you think pulleys will change the amount of force you
need to use to lift an object from the ground.
If ________________________________________________________________________ then the
force required ________________________________________ will __________________________.
Materials: ring stand, pulleys, pulley making supplies, string, spring scale, different object and
weights as loads, meter sticks, lab pages
Procedure:
1. Each lab station has the procedures written on the page.
2. Read the procedure through FIRST and then follow them step by step.
Data Collection:
1. Hang the object using a spring scale (No pulley). Record the force required to lift the object.
Force = _______ Newtons
2. Record the number of pulleys __________ and the number of supporting ropes _________
3. Using the pulley and the spring scale, record the force required to lift the object _________ (N)
4. Measure and record the distance you pulled the rope: _______________ (meters)
After the lab application:
The following configurations are what we used in the lab, answer the questions for each type of pulley
system.
Single Fix Pulley
Why would you use a single fixed pulley to lift a load?
Answer:
Single Moveable Pulley
What is the advantage of using a single movable pulley?
Answer:
Single Fixed, Single Moveable (Compound)
This pulley system changes the direction of the force, and
decreases the force needed to lift the object. What
happens to the distance?
Answer:
Conclusion: (bolded words are writing frame help!)
Your conclusion should be a paragraph or two and needs to discuss the following:
1. Summarize the purpose of the investigation.
This investigation studied…
2. Did you prove or disprove your hypothesis?
The hypothesis stated…
3. Compare the amount of force needed to move or lift the load with a pulley(s) and without the
pulley(s)
When no pulleys are used, the force…
When pulleys are used…
4. How does the number of pulleys, and ropes change the amount of force needed?
The number of supporting ropes changed ….
5. What are the disadvantages of using a pulley or pulley system?
The relationship between force and distance…
6. What problems did you encounter in your experiment, either in the design or application of that
design?
Errors in the investigation included…
You may write your conclusion below, on a sheet of notebook paper or type it. If you choose to use
notebook paper or to type up the conclusion, please attach to these lab pages!