Friction in pulleys

Friction in pulleys refers to the resistance that occurs where the pulley wheel contacts the axle and the belt or rope. This friction can slow down movement, cause energy loss, and generate heat. It results from the contact between moving parts and the surfaces’ roughness. In practical terms, friction means that more force is needed to turn the pulley compared to an ideal, frictionless system. Engineers aim to minimize this friction through lubrication and precision design to improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear in pulley systems.