Testing pulley systems

Testing the operation of pulley systems and calculating their mechanical advantage

This GCSE maths resource looks at how pulleys work and is fully-curriculum linked. Download the resource for free to teach KS4 pulleys to your class.

What are the advantages of a pulley system? Mechanical systems allow us to perform tasks that would otherwise be very difficult, enabling us to lift objects that would otherwise be far too heavy to move. For example, cranes on building sites that move heavy materials.

This GCSE mathematics resource focuses on testing pulley systems and calculating their mechanical advantage.

Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
An engaging activity in which students will will test and calculate the mechanical advantage of three different examples of simple pulley systems designed to lift loads. It will build knowledge and understanding of how pulley systems work, along with improving related numeracy skills.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Download the activity sheets for free!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

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