Pulleys are simple machines that help to lift heavy objects. They work by applying a force over a .

The main advantage of using pulleys is that they can help to reduce the amount of needed to lift an object.

A movable pulley changes both the direction of the force and the amount of force needed to lift an object. This makes it an example of a .

A fixed pulley changes the direction of the force needed to lift an object, but does not change the amount of needed.

Using multiple pulleys in a system can provide a greater mechanical advantage, but it also means that the distance the rope needs to be pulled is .

A block and tackle system uses multiple pulleys to provide an even greater for lifting heavy objects.