In what type of system do all moving pulleys move toward the anchors at the same rate as each other and the load?

• A. 4:1 TMA system
• B. Compound mechanical advantage system
• C. Complex pulley system
• D. Simple pulley system

Answer: (D)

In a simple pulley system, all moving parts rise toward the fixed support at the same rate because there is a single moving pulley attached to the load. When you pull the rope, the moving pulley and the load they’re attached to travel together toward the anchor, sharing the same displacement. In more complex or compound arrangements, multiple moving pulleys are arranged on different rope segments, so the shortening of one segment doesn’t force every pulley to move the same amount. Higher-mechanical-advantage setups use several moving pulleys, but their segments change length differently, so the pulleys don’t all move in unison with the load.