Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct answer for calculating the required force in a combined pulley system is determined by the relationship between the load (W) and the number of pulleys or sections of rope (N) that support the load. In this context, the formula F = W/N shows that the required force (F) to lift the load is equal to the weight of the load (W) divided by the number of support elements (N).

This relationship arises from the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley system, where the load is distributed across multiple sections of rope. As the number of pulleys increases, the force required to lift the load decreases proportionally. Therefore, when you divide the weight of the load by the number of sections of rope that support it, you find the effective force that needs to be applied to lift the load.

In simpler terms, a pulley system allows a person to lift heavier loads more easily by distributing the weight over multiple ropes, which reduces the amount of force needed to lift the same load. Hence, using the formula that divides the weight by the number of ropes or pulleys gives the right calculation for the force required to lift the object.