Final answer:
Traction can be applied in multiple directions and an ordinary pulley changes the direction of the force, maintaining its magnitude. In systems with multiple pulleys, the traction applied can result in a force output that is an integral multiple of the tension in the cable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In physics, particularly when discussing mechanical systems like pulleys, traction can be applied in multiple directions. Traction refers to the application of a force on an object.
An ordinary pulley has a mechanical advantage (MA) of 1, meaning it changes the direction of the force without altering its magnitude. However, when combinations of pulleys are used, the capacity to multiply force comes into play. In a frictionless system with multiple pulleys, each cable that pulls directly upward multiplies the force, so that the total output force is approximately an integral multiple of the tension in the cable, T.
In essence, if you have several attachments in a pulley system that apply external force in the same direction, they combine their efforts, consequently applying a greater total