LEVERS

A lever is a machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge, or fulcrum. A lever is
a rigid body capable of rotating on a point on itself.Levers are the most basic machines which are used
to do some work with minimal effort. A lever amplifies an input force to provide a greater output
force, which is said to provide leverage.

Class of Levers

First Class Levers

This is a type of lever which has the fulcrum in between the weight and the force applied. Its order is
represented as force-fulcrum-weight. This is the most basic type of lever.
Example:
● Our hand pushing an object or seesaws, crowbars.
● Using scissors represents the use of two first-class levers.

Second Class Levers

In this, the fulcrum is at one end and the force applied is on the other end. The weight is situated in
the middle of these two. The order of this would be fulcrum-weight-force. The application of force at
one end will result in some work done on the other end.
Example:
● Wheelbarrow
● Staplers
● Doors or gates
● Bottle openers
Third Class Levers

These are the levers in which the fulcrum is at one end and the force is applied in the middle and the
weight is on the other end. The order is represented as a weight-force-fulcrum. In this case, we have to
apply more energy to displace the weight to a longer distance.
Example:
● Fishing rod
● A broom
● A baseball bat
● A bow and arrow

Speed and Distance Multiplier Lever

Force multipliers are mechanical devices that reduce the amount of force required to move an
object. Force multipliers are useful when lifting heavy objects or performing other tasks that
require a lot of force. Inclined planes and most levers are examples of force multipliers while
a distance multiplier transports a load over a long distance while requiring only a short effort
distance. Common distance multipliers are third-class levers. Distance multiplied by speed
provides a speed advantage.