Question

How much force will it take to lift a 10 pounds weight with a wheel and axle if the axle is 2 inches in diameter and the wheel is 10 inches in diameter?

Answer 1

If the load is applied to the wheel, and you rotate the axle, the force required to lift 10 pounds is

$$F_1r_1=F_2r_2,\\\space\\ F_2=\frac{F_1r_1}{r_2}=\frac{10·10}{2}=50\text { pounds}.$$