Get a Lift!
A pulley uses a wheel and a rope, cord, or chain. Pulleys help us lift things that are heavy. Here are some examples of pulleys at work.
Setting Sail
FLAIRIMAGES/GETTY IMAGESSailboats use pulleys. Pulleys help raise the sails, turn the boat, and more.
Heavy Load
JADA PHOTO/GETTY IMAGESPulleys help us build. Cranes crane FEIFEI CUI-PAOLUZZO—GETTY IMAGES a large machine used for moving heavy objects (noun) The crane lifted construction materials to the top of the building. use pulleys. So do other construction machines.
Safety First
WAVEBREAK MEDIA/GETTY IMAGESA rock climber wears a harness harness MINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES a set of straps for fastening something (noun) Audrey put the harness on the horse. . It is attached to a person with a pulley. This helps keep the climber from falling if he or she slips.
Top of the Slopes
EVGENIY MEDVEDEV—GETTY IMAGESA ski lift takes people up ski slopes. It is made of many pulleys. One of them is huge! Take a look at it here.
Did You Know?
ICON CRAFT STUDIO/GETTY IMAGESThis is what a pulley looks like up close. Pulleys make it easier to lift heavy things. Can you think of other everyday examples of pulleys?