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PPhysicsS2 to S5Engineering · Construction
Engineering lab: pulleys and machines on a building site
On building sites, workers lift sacks of cement, blocks and steel by hand. Choose the right pulley system so one worker can lift the load safely.
LevelS2 to S5 (and IGCSE)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useForces, work, MA, VR, efficiency
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate how pulley systems reduce the effort needed to lift a load, and to calculate mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency.
You will learn to
- Calculate mechanical advantage and velocity ratio.
- Calculate efficiency and explain energy losses.
- Use work = force × distance.
- Use the principle of moments for a crane.
🧭 What to do
- Choose the Block and tackle (4 ropes) and a load of 100 kg. Read the effort.
- Tap Record this load, then try other loads.
- Try every Pulley system: which one lets one worker lift 200 kg?
- Change the Height to lift and read the rope to pull.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Effort measured with a block and tackle (4 ropes) and sacks of cement.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Practical worksheet: make and test a pulley system
- Machines and moments problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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