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Flip to reveal answersHow are levers classified?
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All 4 Flashcards — Levers
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Question
How are levers classified?
Answer
By which of the fulcrum, load and effort sits between the other two. F, L, E in class order: fulcrum in the middle is first, load in the middle is second, effort in the middle is third.
Question
Which lever class always has MA above 1, and why?
Answer
Second class. The load sits between the fulcrum and the effort, so the effort arm is always longer — a wheelbarrow, nutcracker or bottle opener.
Question
Why would a designer choose a third-class lever?
Answer
To multiply movement, speed and reach rather than force. A fishing rod, a broom and the human forearm all trade force away deliberately.
Question
How is the mechanical advantage of a lever calculated?
Answer
Effort arm divided by load arm, both measured from the fulcrum. Effort × effort arm = load × load arm is the same relationship written as moments.
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Topic 3.3 hub
Mechanical systems
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