And now...

THE LEVER

The Lever is another simple machine made up of a rigid bar that is supported at one point, the fulcrum. There are three types of Levers.

CLASS 1:

A first class lever always has the fulcrum in between the input(effort) and output force(load). An example of a class one lever is a pry bar. They are used to open a paint can.

class 1 lever.gif


Class 2:

A second class lever is a lever where the output force(load) is in between the fulcrum and the input force(effort). When you remove the cap from a soft-drink bottle you are using a second class lever.

class 2 levers.gif


Class 3:

The third class lever always has the input force(effort) in between the output force(load) and the fulcrum. A gardening rack or when you shoot the puck with a hockey stick are all examples of a class three lever.

class 3 levers.gif


How to calculate the Ideal Mechanical Advantage, Mechanical Advantage, and Mechanical Efficiency of the lever

The formula used to calculate ideal mechanical advantage of the lever is...

IMA=Effort arm/Load arm

The formula used to calculate mechanical advantage of the lever is...

MA=Load force/Effort force

The formula used to calculate mechanical efficiency of the lever is...

ME=Work output/Work input x 100%
Work=Force x distance


Other pages...
Clarisse's quiz for the inclined plane and the lever
Clarissse's page on The Inclined Plane and the Lever
Clarisse's quiz for the inclined plane and the lever ANSWERS