How is the velocity ratio in a pulley system calculated?

The velocity ratio in a pulley system is indeed calculated by dividing the distance moved by the effort by the distance moved by the load. This calculation provides a measure of the mechanical advantage offered by the pulley system. In simpler terms, it tells you how many times the effort distance is greater than the load distance, which is a critical insight for understanding the efficiency and effectiveness of the pulley system.

By determining the distance that the effort moves compared to the distance that the load is lifted, you can better understand how the system translates input effort into output load movement. A greater velocity ratio indicates that a smaller effort can lift a larger load over a greater distance, showcasing the mechanical advantage of using pulleys. This fundamental concept is essential for calculating work done in mechanical systems and analyzing their performance.

The other options do not accurately represent the method to calculate the velocity ratio. Multiplying distances, adding them, or subtracting them does not address the fundamental relationship defined by the ratio of distances moved.