What kind of simple machine is a zipline classified as?

A zipline is classified as a pulley system because it utilizes the mechanism of a pulley to allow a rider to move smoothly along a horizontal or sloped cable. In this system, the rider is typically seated in a harness attached to a trolley that moves along the cable. The trolley acts as the wheel, while the cable serves as the axle, enabling the rider to travel from one point to another with reduced friction and effort.

Pulleys are designed to change the direction of force or to reduce the amount of force needed to lift an object, which is why they’re a crucial component of a zipline. The tension in the cable provides the necessary support for the rider, allowing gravity to do the work of moving them from a higher to a lower elevation.

In contrast, the other types of simple machines do not accurately represent how a zipline functions. A lever system involves a rigid bar pivoting around a fulcrum, while a wheel and axle system involves a circular object that rotates around an axis, usually for transporting items. An inclined plane is a flat surface that is tilted at an angle to help lift objects more easily, which does not apply to the mechanics of a zipline. Thus, a zipline's mechanism aligns perfectly with the