Question

Which type of lever always reduces the force applied?

Answer 1

A lever of the second order always increases force. Ans. A lever of the second order always increases force as the effort arm is always greater than load arm.

Answer 2

First and second class levers are both force multipliers. Force multipliers reduce the force required to move an object. Force multipliers are said to provide mechanical advantage because they decrease the force that needs to be exerted.

 First Class Lever -- the effort and the load on either side of the fulcrum. Some examples would be a crowbar or a seesaw. The effort is only less than the load if the load is closer to the fulcrum. The lever then acts as a force magnifier

Second Class Lever -- the load is between the fulcrum and the effort. An example is a nutcracker or a wheelbarrow. This type of lever always acts as a force magnifier