Levers

CSEC Physics Syllabus - Effective for examinations from May - June 2015

Section A - Mechanics

Statics
Turning Forces

Specific Objective 3.10

explain the action of common tools and devices as levers;

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Levers

Levers comprise of three components: the load, the effort, and the pivot or fulcrum.

The Effort

The Effort is the force used to overcome the load.

The Load

The Load is the force of an object to be overcome by the effort.

The Pivot

The Pivot is the point at which the lever rotates. 

Classes of Levers

Levers are categorized into three classes depending on the positioning of the effort and the load with respect to the pivot. 

Class 1 Lever 

Class 1 levers have the pivot between the effort and the load. 

Examples of Class 1 Levers:

1. Seesaw
2. Scissors
3. Pliers
4. Crowbar

Class 2 Lever

Class 2 levers have the load between the effort and the pivot.

Examples of Class 2 Levers:

1. Nutcracker
2. Crowbar
3. Wheelbarrow 
4. Spanner
5. Bottle opener

Class 3 Lever

Class 3 levers have the effort between the load and the pivot.

Examples of Class 3 levers:

1. Tweezers
2. Stapler
3. Broom
4. Hammer