Lever

A lever is a rigid beam that pivots around a fulcrum. Levers can exchange the amount of force it takes to move an object with the distance that the actuating force has to move. The relative distances from the fulcrum will affect the amount of this mechanical advantage. Levers can take many forms (such as gears), but they can be generally classified into three categories.

Levers can be linked together to work as a more complex arrangement called compound levers.

Class 1 Lever

Class 1 levers have the fulcrum between the load and the acting force (or effort). Class 1 levers have the fulcrum between the load and the acting force (or effort). Examples of this type of lever include: Prybar Scissors Seesaw

Class 2 Lever

Class 2 levers position the load between the force (effort) and the fulcrum. Class 2 levers position the load between the force (effort) and the fulcrum. Examples of class 2 levers include: Wheelbarrow Nutcracker

Class 3 Lever

Class 3 levers are unique in the fact that they reverse the mechanical advantage to sacrifice a reduction in force for an increase in speed. In class 3 levers, the force or effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. Class 3 levers position the effort between the fulcrum and the load. This increases...