Levers Flashcards

How does a lever make work easier?

What is in the 'middle' of a first class lever?

What is in the 'middle' of a second class lever?

What is in the 'middle' of a third class lever?

A screwdriver opening a paint can is an example of a _____ class lever.

A wheelbarrow is an example of a _____ class lever.

A nutcracker is an example of a _____ class lever.

A seesaw is an example of a _____ class lever.

A person sweeping with a broom is an example of a ____ class lever.

How do you calculate the MA of a first class lever?

How do you calculate the MA of a second class lever?

There is no real MA of a ____ class lever.

Lever Definition and Function

A lever is a simple machine made up of a solid bar that pivots around a fulcrum, facilitating the lifting of objects.
Levers make work easier by requiring less force to move an object; this is achieved by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

Types of Levers

First Class Lever: Fulcrum is positioned between the effort and load (e.g., screwdriver opening a paint can, seesaw).
Second Class Lever: Load is in the middle between the effort and fulcrum (e.g., wheelbarrow, nutcracker).
Third Class Lever: Effort is applied between the fulcrum and load (e.g., sweeping with a broom).

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

Mechanical Advantage (MA) for first and second class levers is calculated as the ratio of the effort arm to the load arm (Effort Arm / Load Arm or Fr/Fe).
Third class levers do not have a significant mechanical advantage, as they typically require more effort than the load being lifted.

Examples of Levers

First Class Lever: Both seesaws and screwdrivers demonstrate equal spacing of effort and load around the fulcrum.
Second Class Lever: Load is lifted with less effort in tools like wheelbarrows and nutcrackers due to the positioning of the load.
Third Class Lever: Use of a broom necessitates greater effort as the broomstick pivots at the end but requires significant force to move the load at the bristles.

Test your knowledge of levers with these flashcards! Discover what a lever is, how it makes work easier, and learn about the key components like the fulcrum. Perfect for students wanting to understand the basics of this simple machine.