Pulley of the blocks and threaded through the two sets of pulleys form a block and tackle. A block and tackle is assembled so one block is attached to fixed mounting point and the other is attached to the moving load. The ideal mechanical advantage of the block and tackle is equal to the number of parts of the rope that support the moving block. In the diagram on the right the ideal mechanical advantage of each of the block and tackle assemblies shown is as follows: A rope and pulley system—that is, a block and tackle—is characterised by the use
Ant on a rubber rope Ant on a rubber rope The ant on a rubber rope is a mathematical puzzle with a solution that appears counterintuitive or paradoxical. It is sometimes given as a worm, or inchworm, on a rubber or elastic band, but the principles of the puzzle remain the same. The details of the puzzle can vary, but a typical form is as follows: At first consideration it seems that the ant will never reach the end of the rope, but in fact it does. (In the form stated above, it would take 8.9 years.) Whatever the length of the rope and the