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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

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

Both the force and the distance decrease.
Both the force and the distance decrease.

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

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

In a pulley system, one of the primary benefits is the mechanical advantage it provides. When using a pulley, the force required to lift a weight typically decreases because the effort is distributed over a longer distance.

In this particular situation, when lifting a block that requires 400 newtons of force without a pulley:

  • The force decreases when using the pulley, because the pulley helps redirect the force and can reduce the amount of effort needed to lift the weight.
  • The distance that you need to pull the rope typically increases when a pulley is used, as you will have to pull more rope to lift the weight the same distance.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

The force decreases, while the distance increases.