Question

Explain the different classes of levers with examples..​

Answer 1

According to where the load and effort are located with respect to the fulcrum, there are three types or classes of lever:

• First-Class Lever
• Second Class Lever
• Third Class Lever

$\small\colorbox{pink}{First\:Class\:Lever}$

This is a type of lever which has the fulcrum in between the weight and the force applied. Its order is represented as force-fulcrum-weight. This is the most basic type of lever.

Example:-

• Our hand pushing an object or seesaws, crowbars.
• Using scissors represents the use of two first-class levers.
• A wheel and axle is also an example.
• Pulling a nail out of a wooden plank also represents a first-class lever.

$\small\colorbox{pink}{Second\:Class\:Lever}$

In this, the fulcrum is at one end and the force applied is on the other end. The weight is situated in the middle of these two. The order of this would be fulcrum-weight-force. The application of force at one end will result in some work done on the other end.

Example:-

• Wheelbarrow
• Staplers
• Doors or gates
• Bottle openers
• Nutcracker
• Nail clippers

$\small\colorbox{pink}{Third\:Class\:Lever}$

These are the levers in which the fulcrum is at one end and the force is applied in the middle and the weight is on the other end. The order is represented as a weight-force-fulcrum. In this case, we have to apply more energy to displace the weight to a longer distance.

Example:-

• Fishing rod
• A broom
• A baseball bat
• A bow and arrow
• Human jaw