Types of Lever

Levers are the most basic machines which are used to do some work with minimal effort. A lever amplifies an input force to provide a greater output force, which is said to provide leverage. We are aware there are various types of lever depending upon the position of the fulcrum, the force and the weight. Every tool which is used to perform work comes under any one of this category.

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What are the different types of lever?

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

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.

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

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

These were some common classes or types of lever. If you wish to learn more physics concepts with the help of interactive video lessons, download BYJU’S – The Learning App.