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Use the image of the pulley to answer the question.

An illustration shows a system of two pulleys lifting a block.

Lifting the weight without a pulley requires a force of 400 newtons over a distance of 4 meters. How do these values change when the pulley is applied?

(1 point)
Responses

Both the force and the distance increase.
Both the force and the distance increase.

The force increases, while the distance decreases.
The force increases, while the distance decreases.

The force decreases, while the distance increases.
The force decreases, while the distance increases.

Both the force and the distance decrease.

1 answer

When a pulley system is used to lift a weight, the force required to lift the weight typically decreases due to the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley. However, to lift the weight the same distance, you have to pull the rope over a longer distance.

In your case, if lifting the weight without a pulley requires a force of 400 newtons over a distance of 4 meters, when using the pulley:

  • The force required will decrease (as the pulley allows you to lift the weight with less force).
  • The distance over which you must pull the rope to lift the weight will increase (you will have to pull more rope than the distance the weight is lifted).

So, the correct answer is:

The force decreases, while the distance increases.