How does a sheave function in a pulley system?

In a pulley system, a sheave plays a crucial role by redirecting the tension in a belt. The sheave, which is a grooved wheel, allows the belt to wrap around it. As the belt moves over the sheave, the direction of the belt tension is changed without altering the total force being applied through the belt. This redirection is vital for transferring power from the drive source to the driven equipment efficiently.

The ability of a sheave to change the direction of force is essential in various applications, allowing for more versatile setup and organization of machinery. This is particularly helpful in installations where space or alignment constraints exist.

While other options may involve elements of a pulley system or machinery, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a sheave. For example, amplifying force pertains more to the mechanical advantages of specific pulley configurations, while providing an electrical connection does not relate to the mechanical function of a sheave. Supporting bearings is also not a primary role of the sheave itself, but rather a function of other components in the overall mechanism.