What type of pulley is fixed and does not move with the load?

A fixed pulley is characterized by its stationary nature, meaning it is anchored in one place and does not move with the load. The primary function of a fixed pulley is to change the direction of the force applied. For example, if you pull down on the rope, the load at the other end is lifted upwards. This type of pulley is commonly used in applications where lifting heavy objects is required, as it allows for easier manipulation of the load by utilizing gravity effectively.

In contrast, movable pulleys can change their position along with the load, potentially reducing the amount of force needed to lift the load but are not fixed. Compound pulleys involve a combination of fixed and movable pulleys to gain mechanical advantage but still include pulleys that do not meet the criteria of being fixed alone. Free pulleys is a term that does not apply to basic pulley classifications, as it commonly refers to pulleys that can freely move without being anchored. Thus, the understanding that a fixed pulley remains stationary while providing a directional advantage supports the choice as the correct answer.