This physics puzzle tests understanding of mechanical advantage using pulley systems. Below is a step-by-step force calculation comparing both scenarios.

Step-by-Step Mechanical Advantage Analysis

• System 1 (Single Fixed Pulley – Man 1):
  – Setup: The rope goes over one fixed overhead pulley directly attached to the 110 lb weight.
  – Mechanical Advantage: MA = 1. A fixed pulley only changes the direction of the pulling force, not the magnitude.
  – Required Force: Man 1 must pull with the full weight of the object, requiring 110 lb of force.
• System 2 (Movable + Fixed Pulley System – Man 2):
  – Setup: The 110 lb weight is suspended from a movable pulley supported by two vertical segments of rope (one anchored to the beam, one going over a fixed pulley to the man).
  – Mechanical Advantage: MA = 2. The two supporting rope segments share the load equally.
  – Required Force: Man 2 only needs to support half the weight (110 lb divided by 2), requiring 55 lb of force.

The Solution Revealed: Man 2 Uses Less Force! (The Big Reveal)

Man 2 is using less force! Thanks to the movable pulley system providing a mechanical advantage of 2, he only needs to exert 55 lb of force compared to Man 1’s 110 lb.

Pulley System Comparison:

• System 1 (Man 1): Single Fixed Pulley | 1 Supporting Rope Segment | Mechanical Advantage: 1 | Required Pulling Force: 110 lb
• System 2 (Man 2): Movable Pulley + Fixed Pulley | 2 Supporting Rope Segments | Mechanical Advantage: 2 | Required Pulling Force: 55 lb

Did you figure out that Man 2 had the mechanical advantage right away? Head down to the comment section and share your thoughts!