Levers

Question 1

Definitions

What is a lever?

Answer 1

A lever is a simple machine that makes doing work easier.

PS: it is also a force multiplier

Question 2

Classifications

How many lever classifications are there?

What are they based on?

Answer 2

There are three classifications that are based on the locations of the effort, load & fulcrum.

Question 3

Classifications

What is a Class 1 Lever?

locations of effort, load & fulcrum

Answer 3

A Class 1 lever is one with the load & a downward effort on opposite sides and the fulcrum in the middle.

Question 4

Classifications

What is a Class 2 Lever?

locations of effort, load & fulcrum

Answer 4

A Class 2 lever is one with the fulcrum & a upwards effort on opposite sides and the load in the middle.

Question 5

Classifications

What is a Class 3 Lever?

locations of effort, load & fulcrum

Answer 5

A Class 3 lever is one with the fulcrum & the load on opposite sides and an upwards effort in the middle.

Question 6

Definitions

What is a force multiplier?

Answer 6

Force multipliers are devices that reduce the amount of force necessary to move an object. They magnify a small force or effort into a larger one.
NB: This is done by levers acting at a distance from the load. Increasing distance of an effort away from a pivot will result in an increasing turning effect that the effort can produce.

Question 7

Classifications

What are some examples of the different classes of levers?

Answer 7

CLASS 1: See-saw, hammer’s claws, pliers, scissors
CLASS 2: Stapler, bottle opener, wheelbarrow, nail clippers, nut cracker
CLASS 3: Tweezer, tongs, fishing rod