Learning About Levers: What Lever Has Resistance Between the Axis (Fulcrum) and the Force (Effort)?
Bruce Dias 
Introduction to Levers
Levers are simple machines that allow us to lift, move, and support objects with less effort. There are three types of levers: first-class, second-class, and third-class.
In a first-class lever, the resistance force is between the effort force and the fulcrum. Examples of first-class levers include seesaws and scissors. The effort force is applied to one end of the lever, the resistance force is at the other, and the fulcrum is in the middle acting as a pivot for the lever to move. First-class levers are the only type of lever where the resistance force is between the axis and the force.
Understanding how levers work and the different types can help us create more efficient machines and understand the world around us.
Classes of Levers
Levers are simple machines that reduce the force needed to move an object. Levers are divided into three classes based on the relative positions of the fulcrum (the axis point of the lever), the effort (the force or weight pushing on the lever), and the resistance (the object the force is applied against).
Let’s look at the different classes of levers and the resistance between the axis and the force.
First-Class Levers
A first-class lever is one of the three levers that has resistance between the axis (or fulcrum) and the force (or effort). It means the load or resistance is placed on one side of the fulcrum, while the force is applied on the other. In other words, the effort is used to lift the load, which is situated on the opposite side of the fulcrum. A teeter-totter or seesaw is a classic example of a first-class lever, with the fulcrum located in the middle, while the children’s weight at both ends represents the load or resistance, and their effort to move up and down is the force applied. Other examples of first-class levers include crowbars, scissors, and pliers. Understanding how the three classes of levers work can help you comprehend the physics behind simple machines and improve your problem-solving skills.
Pro tip: Experiment with building your first-class lever using everyday materials like cardboard, plastic straws or broomsticks, and see how it works!
Definition and Characteristics
Class 2 levers are a type of lever with resistance between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort). This means that the load is located between the rotation point and the force applied. Class 2 levers have the following characteristics:
– The axis or fulcrum is located at one end of the lever, and the force is applied at the other.
– The load is placed in between the axis and the force applied.
– Class 2 levers multiply force, allowing you to lift heavier loads more easily.
– Examples of class 2 levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle openers.
Understanding the different classes of levers and their unique characteristics is essential to utilize them to their fullest potential. For example, in the case of class 2 levers, they are most effective for lifting heavy loads with less effort.
Examples of First-Class Levers First-class levers are levers in which the fulcrum is located between the force and the resistance. Here are two examples of first-class levers:
1. Seesaw: A seesaw is an excellent example of a first-class lever. The fulcrum is located in the middle, and the effort (pushing down with your legs) is applied on one end, while the resistance (the weight of the person on the other side) is placed on the other end.
2. Crowbar: A crowbar is another example of a first-class lever. The fulcrum is located at one end, the effort (force applied by the person) is applied at the other end, while the resistance (the object being lifted or moved) is in between. A crowbar allows you to lift a heavy object by applying a relatively small force.
Pro tip: Understanding the different classes of levers can help you make simple machines to perform various tasks with less effort.
Calculation of Mechanical Advantage of First-Class Levers
A first-class lever is a type of lever with resistance between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort). To calculate the mechanical advantage of a first-class lever, you need to divide the distance from the axis to the effort by the distance from the axis to the resistance.
Mechanical Advantage = Effort Arm / Resistance Arm
The effort arm is the distance between the axis and the effort, while the resistance arm is the distance between the axis and the resistance.
For example, if the effort arm is 5 cm and the resistance arm is 10 cm, the mechanical advantage is 0.5 (5/10).
Pro tip: Understanding the mechanical advantage of a first-class lever is essential in determining the force needed to overcome resistance and complete a task.
Second-Class Levers
Second-Class Levers are levers where the resistance is positioned between the axis or fulcrum and the force, also known as effort, providing a mechanical advantage.
A few examples of second-class levers include:
- A wheelbarrow: where the load sits between the wheel and the handles, allowing you to lift heavier loads with less effort.
- Nutcracker: where the cracked nut is positioned between the fulcrum and the force or effort.
- Bottle opener: where the bottle cap serves as the resistance or load and is positioned between the fulcrum and the effort required to remove the cap.
Compared to first- and third-class levers, second-class levers are the most efficient in multiplying force or effort, making them ideal for tasks requiring a significant amount of strength.
Fun fact: Interestingly, our body uses second-class levers in several activities like lifting weights, standing on our tiptoes, and opening a door with a doorknob.
Definition and Characteristics
In physics, a lever is a simple machine that makes work easier by magnifying force. There are three classes of levers, categorized by the location of the resistance, effort, and fulcrum. For example, in Class 2 levers, the resistance is between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort), making them force multipliers.
Here are some characteristics of Class 2 levers:
Characteristic Description
The resistance is located between the fulcrum and the effort.
The effort is applied farther from the fulcrum than the resistance.
The effort arm is always longer than the resistance arm, making it easier to lift heavy loads.
Some examples of Class 2 levers include wheelbarrows, bottle openers, nutcrackers, and staplers.
By understanding the different classes of levers, you can apply this knowledge to various real-life situations, working smarter, not harder to multiply your force output.
Examples of Second-Class Levers
A second-class lever is a type of lever with resistance between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort). Here are two examples of second-class levers:
Example Description
Nutcracker – The nut is the resistance, the hinge is the fulcrum, and the effort is applied by squeezing the handles together. The closer the handles are to the nut, the easier it is to crack.
Wheelbarrow – The load is the resistance, the wheel is the axis, and the effort is exerted by lifting the handles. The longer the handles are, the more leverage and easier it is to lift heavier loads.
Pro Tip: Understanding the different classes of levers can help understand simple machines and how they are used in daily life, making applying mechanical principles to real-world problems easier.
Calculation of Mechanical Advantage of Second-Class Levers
In second-class levers, the mechanical advantage is calculated by dividing the length of the effort arm by the length of the resistance arm. The effort arm is the distance between the effort force and the fulcrum, while the resistance arm is the distance between the resistance force and the fulcrum.
The formula for calculating mechanical advantage in second-class levers is: MA = EA/RA
Second-class levers are levers in which the load or resistance is located between the effort and the fulcrum. Unlike first-class levers with the fulcrum between the effort and the load, second-class levers provide a mechanical advantage when the effort arm is longer than the resistance arm. Some examples of second-class levers are wheelbarrows, door handles, and bottle openers.
Third-Class Levers
Third-Class Levers belong to the Class 3 category of levers where the resistance lies between axis or the fulcrum and the force or the effort that is applied to the lever. Unlike first and second-class levers, where the load is in-between the fulcrum and the effort, third-class levers are inefficient as they cannot transmit strong forces. Instead, they are designed to allow for a range of motion in the object being moved, making them ideal for fine motor movements.
Common examples of third-class levers include tweezers, shovels, and fishing rods. While using these levers, one should be careful enough to apply the right amount of force to achieve the desired result. Mastering using third-class levers requires practice and patience but can help you carry out delicate tasks with precision.
Definition and Characteristics
Class Two Levers are identified as the type of lever where Resistance lies between the Axis and Force. These levers work when the effort the user applies is in the opposite direction of the Resistance. In this type of lever, the Resistance is closer to the Axis than Effort, and both are on the opposite sides of the Fulcrum. The key characteristic of Class Two levers is that they are power levers. They allow the user to have a mechanical advantage by multiplying the input force. Their mechanical advantage allows them to lift heavier loads with lesser effort.
A typical example of a Class Two lever is a wheelbarrow. The handle is the Effort, the wheel is the Fulcrum, and the load or weight is the Resistance. Positioning a load near the axis takes much less effort to lift and tilt the load, allowing it to be transported with minimal effort.
Examples of Third-Class Levers
Third-class levers are the most common type of lever found in the human body and everyday objects such as sports equipment and tools.
Here are two examples of third-class levers:
1. Baseball bat: The fulcrum is where the bat makes contact with the ball. The effort is the force the batter’s hands apply on the bat’s handle. The resistance is the weight of the ball.
2. Broom: The fulcrum is the handle of the broom. The effort is the force applied to the bristles to sweep the floor. The resistance is the weight of the debris being swept.
Third-class levers are used when speed and range of motion are more important than force. These levers are not as powerful as other levers, but they allow for greater mobility and flexibility.
Calculation of Mechanical Advantage of Third-Class Levers
In third-class levers, the mechanical advantage is always less than one. The mechanical advantage of a third-class lever can be calculated by dividing the distance between the fulcrum and the point of effort by the distance between the fulcrum and the point of resistance.
The formula for calculating the mechanical advantage of a third-class lever is:
MA = effort distance/resistance distance
The closer the resistance is to the fulcrum, the lower the mechanical advantage. This means it takes more effort to lift the load, but it can be lifted a greater distance. In contrast, if the resistance is farther away from the fulcrum, the mechanical advantage increases, making it easier to lift the load but reducing the distance it can be lifted.
Pro tip: Third-class levers are common in the human body and are essential for daily activities, such as bending the elbow or lifting weights.
Lever Resistance and Effort
In physics, three classes of levers demonstrate how forces can be magnified, reduced, or transferred. The location of the fulcrum, the resistance, and the effort classifies levers. This article will focus on levers that have resistance between the fulcrum and the effort. Here, we will examine how this type of lever works, the advantages and disadvantages of this specific design, and example applications.
Resistance Forces in First-Class Levers
In a first-class lever, the resistance force is located between the axis (fulcrum) and the effort force. These levers are commonly found in everyday objects, such as seesaws and crowbars. The resistance force prevents the lever from moving freely and requires extra effort from the user to overcome it.
To understand the mechanics of a first-class lever, consider a seesaw. The fulcrum is located in the center, and the effort force is applied at one end by a child pushing down. The other end of the seesaw where another child is sitting represents the resistance force. The closer the sitting child is to the center, the more effort the pushing child must exert to lift them.
Understanding the forces at play in a first-class lever can help in designing and optimizing various tools and machines to make them more efficient and less strenuous to use
Definition and Characteristics
In simple terms, a lever is a rigid object that rotates around a fixed point (fulcrum). There are three types of levers: First, second, and third.
Type of Lever Fulcrum Force (Effort) Load (Resistance)
First-Class Between Force and Load One Side Other Side
Second-Class Between Load and Force Other Side One Side
Third-Class Force Side Force Side Load Side
An example of a first-class lever is a pair of pliers, with the fulcrum at the joint, the load at the tip, and the effort applied at the handles. In this type of lever, the load can either be greater or smaller than the effort, depending on its location relative to the fulcrum. Understanding the characteristics of different types of levers can help you apply them effectively for various tasks and projects.
Examples of First-Class Levers with Resistance between the Axis and Effort
In a first-class lever, the resistance between the axis and effort can be found in various common objects and systems. Here are 2 examples:
1) A seesaw: In this classic children’s playground equipment, the pivot point acts as the axis, while the children sitting on each end act as the effort. The resistance comes from the center of the seesaw, which often has a spring or a bump, preventing it from tipping too far in either direction.
2) A pair of pliers: In this tool, the axis is located at the joint where the two halves of the pliers are connected, while the effort is applied to the handles. The resistance comes from the object being grasped by the pliers, which requires force to break or manipulate.
By understanding how first-class levers work, we can use them to our advantage in various ways, from lifting heavy objects to opening cans and bottles easily.
What Lever Has Resistance Between the Axis (Fulcrum) and the Force (Effort)?
In second-class levers, the resistance force is located between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort), which makes them ideal for lifting heavy loads with less effort.
Examples of second-class levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle openers, among others. The resistance force makes these levers effective, as it creates a mechanical advantage that enables them to multiply the force applied by the effort.
In a wheelbarrow, for example, the weight of the load acts as the resistance force, creating a pivot that enables the user to lift the load with less effort.
By understanding the mechanics of second-class levers, you can apply this knowledge to create more efficient tools and machines for lifting heavy loads.
Definition and Characteristics
A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is used to amplify force or move heavy objects with less effort. There are three types of levers, and in the second type, the lever resistance is between the axis or fulcrum and the force, also known as effort.
Characteristics of second-class levers:
– They have a mechanical advantage of greater than 1, meaning the output force is greater than the input force.
– They are used to move heavy weights over short distances with minimal effort.
– They have a high resistance to motion and require a relatively large amount of force to operate.
Examples of second-class levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle openers. In each tool, the load, or resistance, is placed between the fulcrum and the input force, or effort.
Understanding the characteristics of second-class levers is essential for anyone interested in mechanics, engineering, or even everyday problem-solving.
Examples of Second-Class Levers with Resistance between the Axis and Effort
A second-class lever is a type of lever where the load or resistance is positioned between the effort or force and the fulcrum or pivot point. Here are two examples of second-class levers:
Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow is a classic example of a second-class lever, with the load or weight of the materials being carried in the bin between the wheel or fulcrum and the handles or force. When the handles go up, the bin goes down; when the handles go down, the bin goes up.
Nutcracker: A nutcracker is another example of a second-class lever, with the nut or shell being held between the resistance or load and the effort or force applied to the handles. When the handles are squeezed together, the resistance between the two points is broken, and the nut or shell is cracked.
Second-class levers provide a mechanical advantage, requiring less force to move a greater weight or resistance. As a result, these levers can be useful in various applications, from construction and transportation to everyday household tools.
Resistance Forces in Third-Class Levers
In a third-class lever, the resistance force is between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort). This type of lever provides a mechanical advantage, but the resistance is greater than the effort, making it challenging to lift heavy loads.
Examples of third-class levers include tweezers, shovels, and fishing rods. In these instances, the resistance force is located where the tweezers pinch, the shovel meets the ground, and the fishing rod meets the fish.
The effort must be greater than the resistance to overcome the resistance or be applied at a mechanical advantage. This can be achieved by increasing the length of the lever arm on the effort side, reducing the length on the resistance side, or using a pulley system to apply force.
Understanding the resistance forces in third-class levers can help design tools and machinery for lifting and moving loads easily.
Definition and Characteristics
In simple terms, a lever is a simple machine that helps in multiplying or changing the direction of a force applied to it. A lever consists of three basic parts – the fulcrum (the fixed point on which the lever turns or pivots), the effort (the force applied to the lever), and the load (the resistance or weight that the lever is intended to move).
When the resistance is between the axis and the force, it is called a second-class lever. Such levers are characterized by a large output force, a small input force, and a long distance between the effort and the fulcrum. Examples of second-class levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle openers.
Understanding the characteristics of levers can help you apply them in everyday life, from using a crowbar to lift heavy objects to using scissors to cut paper.
Examples of Third-Class Levers with Resistance between the Axis and Effort
In third-class levers, the resistance lies between the axis (fulcrum) and the effort. Here are two examples of third-class levers with resistance between the axis and effort:
1) Tweezers: Tweezers are a type of third-class lever, where the effort is applied at one end, and the resistance or load (the hair or splinter being lifted) is located between the effort and the fulcrum.
2) Fishing Rod: A fishing rod is another third-class lever where the fulcrum is the handle, the effort is applied at the other end, and the resistance is the fish that creates a load on the fishing line between the fulcrum and the effort.
Third-class levers provide advantages such as increased range of motion, speed, and precision of movements, but they come at the cost of increased effort.
Pro tip: Understanding the different types and applications of levers can provide valuable knowledge in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and sports mechanics.
Applications of Levers
The lever is a simple machine that has been used since prehistoric times. It is a type of force multiplier that can multiply the force you apply and reduce the effort required to move an object. Levers come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own application.
In this section, we will discuss the applications of levers and how they are used in everyday life.
Levers in Everyday Life
Levers are a crucial part of our everyday life, from simple machines like scissors and pliers to complex machinery used in construction and manufacturing. A Class 2 lever, also known as a resistance lever, has the resistance between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort), making it ideal for heavy lifting and prying objects apart.
Here are some real-life applications of Class 2 levers in everyday life:
Application Description
Nutcracker: The nutcracker is a Class 2 lever, where the jaw acts as the resistance, the fulcrum is in the center, and the effort is applied at the end of the levers.
Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow is a Class 2 lever where the load is placed between the effort and the fulcrum, allowing you to lift and transport heavy loads with ease.
Bottle opener: A bottle opener is a Class 2 lever with the cap acting as the resistance and the effort applied at the end of the lever.
By understanding the science behind levers, we can design more efficient machines and tools that make our everyday tasks easier and more effective.
Levers in Medicine
In medicine, levers are used in a variety of applications, and one of the most important aspects of levers is understanding the different types of resistance between the axis (fulcrum) and the force (effort). In some levers, the resistance is located between the axis and the force. These are called second-class levers.
The following are some applications of second-class levers in medicine:
Walking: The foot acts as the fulcrum, the body’s weight is the resistance, and the calf muscles apply the effort to lift the body and move it forward.
Ankle joint: The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone, using the heel bone as the fulcrum to generate the force required for movement.
Wheelchair: The push handle acts as the fulcrum, the person’s weight is the resistance, and the arms of the person apply the force to move the wheelchair forward.
By understanding the principles of second-class levers and their medical applications, medical professionals can design and implement therapies and rehabilitation techniques to help patients recover from injuries and conditions affecting their mobility.
Levers in Engineering and Industry
When it comes to engineering and industry, levers are essential tools used to move heavy loads with minimal effort. The three types of levers are classified based on where the resistance, effort, and axis are located.
A second-class lever is used when the resistance lies between the axis and the force or effort. A good example of a second-class lever is a wheelbarrow. In a wheelbarrow, the resistance is in the form of the weight of the load, the force or effort is applied by the user pushing down on the handles, and the axis is the wheel in the center which acts as the fulcrum, enabling the user to lift and move heavy loads easily.
Second-class levers are often used in industry and engineering because they allow for heavy objects to be lifted with less effort.
Pro tip: Knowing the different types of levers and their applications can help engineers and industrial workers choose the right tool or machine for a specific task.
