GRADE 8 TECHNOLOGY

WORKSHEET: LEVERS
Levers allow you to change the direction of movement, the size of movement, and the amount of input
force that is needed for the output movement to happen. In other words, levers can be used to make a
small force move a much bigger force. This is called mechanical advantage.
There are three types of levers: first-class, second-class, and third-class, summarised in the table below:

FIRST CLASS LEVERS SECOND CLASS LEVERS THIRD CLASS LEVERS

Fulcrum is located between the Load is located between the effort Effort is located between the load
load and the effort. and the fulcrum. and the fulcrum.

Mechanical advantage depends Mechanical advantage is always There is no mechanical advantage

on the location of the fulcrum.
If the fulcrum is closer to the
load, then less effort is needed
to move the load a shorter
distance; MA > 1.
If the fulcrum is closer to the
effort, then more effort is
needed to move the load a
greater distance; MA < 1.
If the fulcrum is equidistant
from the load and the effort,
then MA = 1.
Examples:
more than 1 because the effort because the effort is greater than
arm is always longer than the load the load. However, this
arm. The effort force needed is disadvantage is compensated
less than the load force, so there is with a larger movement. It also
a mechanical advantage. If the gives us the advantage of a much
load is closer to the fulcrum than greater speed of movement.
the effort, then less effort will be
required to move the load. If the
load is closer to the effort than the
fulcrum, then more effort will be
required to move the load.
Examples: Examples:

ACTIVITY:
For each image:
a) Identify the class lever system in each of the pictures below.
b) Write down where you would find the effort, load, and fulcrum for each picture.
c) Write down the mechanical advantage of each of these levers as MA<1 or MA>1.

EG. Stapler
Second class lever.
Effort is on the long black handle at the top.
Load is where the staples come out.
Fulcrum is at the back where the top and bottom of the
stapler are connected to each other.
MA > 1.
1. Shovel

2. Nutcracker

3. Nail clippers

4. Wheelbarrow

5. Gardening shears

6. Toggle switch