Pulleys

A web-based simulation

Grade 5 Science
Structures and Mechanisms

 - describe, using their observations, the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of mechanical systems
- identify the force required by different pulley systems (systems with one or more pulleys) to move a load, and compare the systems in qualitative terms
- compile data gathered through investigation in order to record and present results, using tally charts, tables, and labelled graphs produced by hand or with a computer
- recognize the advantages and disadvantages of using various mechanisms with respect to the amount of energy they require to move or lift a given load;

  A Link to Learning web-based student learning activity     www.linktolearning.com

This activity is based on the web site;
http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/pulleysystem.htm 


Choose 2, 4 or 6 pulleys.

Enter the weight of the load.
(Be sure to press Enter after changing the value.)




This calculates the force required to lift the load.

 

 Use the mouse to "pull" down and lift the load.

For your experiments, assume the distance from the table top to the top pulley is 1 metre.

1. Set the pulley system to 2 pulleys.

2. When you pull the "rope" down to the table-top level, how far does the load rise? ____________

3. What force is required to lift a load of 14 N? ___________________

4. Change the system to 4 pulleys.

5. Now when you pull the "rope" down to the table-top level, how far does the load rise? _________

6. What force is required to lift the load of 14 N? ____________________

 

 

 

Experiment

Purpose; To determine the effect of the number of pulleys on the force required to lift a load.

Hypothesis; I predict that adding more pulleys to the system will __________________________

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because ____________________________________________________________________

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The controlled variables in this experiment will be; _____________________________________

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Data;

 

Number of pulleys

Load

Force required to lift load

Distance load lifted when force applied through 1 metre

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Conclusion;

When more pulleys are added to the system, ________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________

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