What is the primary advantage of using a movable pulley?

The primary advantage of using a movable pulley is that it decreases the effort required to lift a load. A movable pulley allows the user to lift a load with less force compared to lifting it directly. This is due to the way the pulley system distributes the weight of the load. When you pull down on one side of the rope, the other side moves up, effectively halving the weight that needs to be lifted. This mechanical advantage makes lifting heavier objects much easier, as it allows the force exerted by the user to be amplified.

In addition to this key benefit, movable pulleys can also be used in combination with fixed pulleys to further enhance efficiency in lifting applications. However, the primary feature highlighting their advantage is the reduction in effort needed to lift an object, making tasks like raising heavy loads more manageable.