Lever Systems

Question 1

What are the 3 categories of levers?

Answer 1

1st class, 2nd class, and 3rd class

Question 2

What acronym can be used to remember which part of the lever sits in the middle?

Answer 2

F - Fulcrum is in the middle
L - Load is in the middle
E - Effort is in the middle

Question 3

Give an example of a first class lever.

Answer 3

Neck raise: the fulcrum is the vertebrae at the top of the neck, which sits between the load (weight of the head) and the neck muscles at the back of the head/neck.

Question 4

Give an example of a second class lever.

Answer 4

Calf raises: the load (body weight) sits between the fulcrum (ball of the foot) and the gastrocnemius.

Question 5

Give an example of a third class lever.

Answer 5

Bicep curls: the effort (from the biceps) sits between the fulcrum (elbow hinge joint) and the load (weight in the hands).

Question 6

Give a sporting example of a first class lever.

Answer 6

Heading the ball by moving the head up and then down into the ball.

Question 7

Give a sporting example of a second class lever.

Answer 7

Diving, divers go up onto their toes before jumping.