Question

What is the mechanical advantage of a single movable pulley in the ideal case?

• A. 2
• B. less than 2
• C. less than 1
• D. equal to 1

Answer 1

The correct option is A

2

Single movable pulley in an ideal situation acts as a force multiplier. The pulley is supported on both the sides by tension T and is pulled up by half the distance. Load L is balanced by the effort.

L = T + T = 2T, E = T

M.A. = $\frac{\text{Load}}{\text{Effort}}$ = $\frac{2T}{T}$ = 2

M.A. in ideal case = 2

Using single movable pulley, the load can be lifted by applying an effort equal to half the load (in ideal situation).