Question

The actual mechanical advantage of a single movable pulley is ______.

Options

• one

• two

• less than 2, but more than 1

• none of these

Answer 1

The actual mechanical advantage of a single movable pulley is less than 2, but more than 1.

Explanation:

A single movable pulley has a velocity ratio of 2. In a practical pulley, friction and the weight of the moving parts make the actual mechanical advantage less than 2. It is greater than 1 because the pulley still reduces the effort needed to lift the load.