The principle behind all "simple machines" - levers, wedges, pulleys, etc - is the conservation of mechanical energy: The work that goes in is the work that comes out (except for losses due to friction) (Here's one application) So, here's Sten again, now standing on a platform, with his twin Sven, who's just sitting. The total mass of Sten, Sven, and the platform with the pulleys is 180 kg. Sten pulls down on the rope and lifts the platform by 0. 5 meters. a) How much work does he do, and what magnitude force would you expect him to exert on the rope? b) Now suppose he hands the rope to a friend Stig standing off to the side. What force does Stig exert on the rope?