In a system of pulleys connected by belts, which pulley travels the fastest?

In a system of pulleys connected by belts, the speed of each pulley is influenced by its size and the arrangement of the system. Generally, the speed at which a pulley travels is inversely proportional to its radius; smaller pulleys typically rotate faster than larger ones when powered by a belt.

Considering this, if Pulley A is the smallest among the three pulleys, it will have the highest rotational speed compared to the others. When a belt moves over pulleys, it pulls the smaller pulley faster due to the same length of belt being used but a smaller circumference. Therefore, if it is established that Pulley A is indeed smaller than Pulley B and Pulley C, then it is logical to conclude that Pulley A travels the fastest in the system.

Understanding the relationship between a pulley’s size and its speed is crucial for analyzing mechanical systems involving pulleys and belts, making this principle essential for predicting motion in such setups.