Levers

Fulcrum

point about which the lever rotates

Effort

force applied by the user (muscle) of the lever system

Resistance (load)

weight to be moved by the lever system

1st lever

Effort arm is down

Fulcrum is in the middle

Load arm is down

Has a mechanical advantage and disadvantage

2nd class lever

Effort arm is up on the right side

Load arm is down in the middle

Fulcrum is on the left side

Has a mechanical advantage

3rd class lever

Fulcrum is on the right side

Effort arm is up in the middle

Load arm is down the left side

Has a mechanical disadvantage

What is a mechanical advantage and what does it amplifie

• when effort arm is longer than the resistance arm

• amplifies force

What is mechanical disadvantage and what does it amplifie

• when effort arm is shorter than the resistance arm

• it amplifies speed