What is the name of a simple machine composed of a rope that is wrapped around a wheel?

A simple machine composed of a rope that is wrapped around a wheel is known as a pulley. A pulley is designed to change the direction of a force and can also be used to lift heavy objects more easily. The configuration allows the user to apply force downward on the rope, which in turn lifts the load upward.

Pulleys can be used singly or in systems to gain mechanical advantage, making them highly effective in various applications, from construction to simple home improvement tasks. Their design maximizes efficiency by minimizing friction between the rope and the wheel.

In contrast, other simple machines like levers, wedges, and screws operate on different principles. A lever utilizes a rigid bar that pivots around a fulcrum, a wedge is inclined to separate materials, and a screw converts rotational motion into linear displacement. Each of these machines serves a distinct purpose but does not involve the interaction of a rope and a wheel in the same way a pulley does. This distinguishes the pulley as the correct choice.