What mechanical advantage does a pulley system provide?

A pulley system provides a mechanical advantage by reducing the required force needed to lift an object. This advantage arises from the way the pulley redistributes the weight of the load, allowing the user to lift a heavier load with less effort.

When using a pulley, especially in configurations like block and tackle systems, the force that needs to be applied to lift a load is effectively reduced because the system can support the load through multiple ropes. This means that the force exerted by the user can be less than the total weight of the object being lifted. Essentially, for every additional segment of rope used in a pulley system, the amount of force required to lift the load decreases, allowing for more efficient lifting.

Other choices reflect misunderstanding of how pulleys work. For example, increasing load weight, decreasing speed of movement, and increasing friction are not inherent benefits of pulley systems; rather, they may be outcomes of improperly designed or configured systems. In contrast, the reduction of required force is a fundamental principle that defines the utility and efficiency of pulley systems in mechanical applications.