Question

• Does a flagpole have a simple machine in it? If so, what is it? (1 Mark)


• Can that machine change the direction of applied force? If so, briefly explain (2 Marks)

Answer 1

The simple machine present in a flagpole is a $\text{pulley}$. (1 Mark)

Yes, a pulley can change the direction of the applied force. A pulley consists of two ends of a string. When one of them is pulled downward, the other end is pulled upward. In this way, a downward effort applied on one end of the pulley can cause an upward movement in the object tied to the other end of the pulley. A flag is hoisted using the same mechanism. (2 Marks)