247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

How does a single fixed pulley help when lifting a load?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

It changes the direction of the force without reducing the amount of force needed

  1. A It removes the need for any force
  2. B It changes the direction of the force without reducing the amount of force needed
  3. C It reduces the force needed by half
  4. D It doubles the load

Why this is the answer

A single fixed pulley (attached to a fixed point overhead) changes the direction of the force — letting you pull down to lift a load up — but it does not reduce the amount of force required; you still must pull with a force equal to the load's weight. To gain a mechanical advantage (reduce the force needed), you use a movable pulley or a combination of pulleys (a block and tackle), which trades reduced force for a longer length of rope pulled. Understanding that a fixed pulley redirects force while movable/multiple pulleys multiply it is a frequently tested simple-machine concept.
Source: ASVAB MC, Pulleys

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears) and other topics.

Take the Mechanical Comprehension practice test →

About this topic: Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

Simple machines — levers, pulleys, gears, inclined planes, wheel-and-axle, screws — are the heart of Mechanical Comprehension. Each question comes down to mechanical advantage: how much the machine multiplies force, and the trade-off in distance. This is one of 23 Mechanical Comprehension questions on simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears), each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

A first-class lever has the fulcrum located:

 Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

A fixed (single) pulley provides what mechanical advantage?

 Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

If gear A has 20 teeth and meshes with gear B that has 60 teeth, when gear A makes 6 full rotations, how many rotations does gear B make?

 Simple Machines (Levers, Pulleys, Gears)

A screw with 10 threads per inch is used to lift a heavy load. If the handle is turned through one full revolution, how far does the screw advance into the material?

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →