Types of Lever - Examples, Mechanism, Application, Definition, FAQs

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:06 PM IST

Lever meaning in physics, is the machine that is used to increase force. We call them "simple machines" because they need only two parts- the handle and therefore the fulcrum. The handle or bar of the lever is named the "arm", it is the kind that you simply push or pull on. The "fulcrum" is that the point on which the lever turns or balances. . In this article, we will discuss, what is lever? definition of lever with its examples. What are functions of lever?principle and mechanism of lever.What are the different types of lever?What is fulcrum? or definition of fulcrum. What is class 1, class 2, and class3 type levers with its examples? What is meant by leverage? application of lever. So let’s see,

Types of Lever - Examples, Mechanism, Application, Definition, FAQs

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What is a lever?

The word "lever" came from English about 1300 from Old French, during which the word was levier. The word ‘lever’ in terms of the verb means "to raise".

Definition: A lever is simple machine which involving of a beam or rigid rod pivoted (fulcrum) at a hard and fast hinge, or fulcrum. A lever may be a rigid body capable of rotating on some extent on itself. A lever amplifies an input force to supply a greater output force, which is claimed to supply leverage. The meaning of leverage in Bengali is “লিভারেজ (Libhārēja)”

The ratio of the output force to the input force is mechanical advantage of that the lever. And it is main function of lever. As such, the lever may be mechanical advantage device, trading off force against movement.

Basic parts of a lever showing the locations of the beam, fulcrum, effort and load

The formula of mechanical advantage of lever is

= Load (otput force)/Effort (Input force) = distance from load to fucrum/distance from Effort to fulcrum

Examples: teeter-totters, wheelbarrows, scissors, pliers, bottle openers, floor brush, brooms, shovels, nutcrackers and sports tools like baseball bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks. Even though your arm functioned as a lever.

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There are four parts/kinds to a lever – lever arm, pivot (fulcrum), effort and cargo (load). In our human bodies:

bones act as lever arms
joints act as pivots
muscles provide the trouble forces to maneuver loads
Load forces are frequently the weights of the body parts that are proceed or forces needed to lift, push or pull things outside our bodies.
Levers also can be used to magnify motion/movement, for case in point, when kicking a ball; small contractions of leg muscles produce a way larger movement at the top of the leg.
Levers are liable to give us a strength advantage or a movement advantage but not both together.

There are three parts/kinds to all levers:

Fulcrum = the point at which the lever revolve.
Input force (also called the effort) = the force put into the lever.
Output force (also called the load) = the force put in by the lever to move the load.

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Principle of Liver:

concept

A lever works on the principle of moments (short time). For an ideal lever, it is imagined that the lever is light weight (weightless) and frictionless. It has been practically based that when two same forces proceeding in different (opposite) directions, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise, are applied to a uniform lever at same distances from the fulcrum, they oppose each other and found a state of equilibrium in the lever.

In the stability position of the lever, by the principle of moments (short time),

Moment of load to the fulcrum = Moment of the effort to the fulcrum.

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Types of lever:

The ability of the body to both apply and withstand forces is understood as strength. One component of strength is that the ability applies enough force to maneuver, lift or hold an object with weight, also referred to as a load. A lever may be a rigid object wont to make it easier to maneuver an outsized load a brief distance or a little load an outsized distance. There are three classes/types of levers, and every one three classes are present within the body. For instance, the forearm may be a 3rd class lever because the biceps pulls on the forearm between the joint (fulcrum) and therefore the ball (load).

Figure is a schematic drawing of a forearm rotated around the elbow. A 50 pound ball is held in the palm. The distance between the elbow and the ball is 13 inches. The distance between the elbow and the biceps muscle, which causes a torque around the elbow, is 1.5 inches. Forearm forms a 60 degree angle with the upper arm.

First Class lever
Second Class lever
Third Class lever

First Class lever:

In a class 1 lever, the fulcrum is positioned between the load and the effort.

In a first class lever, the fulcrum is located between the load and the effort

If the fulcrum which is adjacent to the load, then less effort is required to push the load a less distance. If the fulcrum is adjacent to the effort, then more effort is required to push the load a greater distance. A teeter-totter, an shanghai, and a chisel are all first class lever examples. First class levers are useful for lifting large loads with little effort.

Second class lever:

In a class 2 lever, the load is positioned in betwixt the effort and the fulcrum.

In a second class lever, the load is located between the effort and the fulcrum.

If the load is adjacent to the fulcrum than the effort, then less strive will be needed to move the load. If the load is adjacent to the effort than the fulcrum, then more strive will be needed to push the load. A trolley, a bottle opener, and a blade are class 2 lever examples.

Applications: In the human body, a second class lever is used when a person stands on sneaking (tip-toe).

Third Class lever:

In a class 3 lever, the effort is positioned in between the load and the fulcrum.

In a third class lever, the effort is located between the load and the fulcrum.

If the fulcrum is adjacent to the load, then less effort is required to push the load. If the fulcrum is adjacent to the effort, then the load will push a large distance. A pair of pincers, Lech a baseball bat or using your arm to lift are class 3 lever examples.

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NCERT Physics Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. The productivity of a machine is hour . If 500 J of energy is given to the machine. What’s its output?

Productivity (p) = 60%, Input (i) = 500 J
Output = p × i
= 60/100 × 500
Therefore, Output = 300 J

2. Explain why snippers for gashing fabric may have cutlas longer than the grips but shears for gashing metals have short cutlas and long grips?

A pair of scissors wont to cut a bit of fabric has blades longer than the handles in order that the blades (cutlas) move longer on the material than the movement at the handles. Therefore, scissors used for gashing metals have short cutlases and long handles because it enables us to beat large resistive force by alittle effort.

3. A pair of snippers has its cutlas 10 cm greater, while its grips are 2.5 cm greater. what's its mechanical advantage?

Force Arm (Ea) = 2.5 cm
Length Arm = 20 cm
M.A. = Ea/ La
= 2.5/ 10
Therefore, M.A. = 0.25

4. State the principle of lever.

In the stability position of the lever, by the principle of moments (short time),

Moment of load to the fulcrum = Moment of the effort to the fulcrum.

5. write the classification of lever.

Lever are classified into three categories:

First class, second class and third class lever.

6. How many types of levers are there?

There are three types of levers, classified based on the relative positions of the effort (input force), load (resistance), and fulcrum. These are first-class levers, second-class levers, and third-class levers.

7. What distinguishes a first-class lever?

In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort and the load. This arrangement allows the effort to move in the opposite direction to the load, often providing a mechanical advantage.

8. Can you give examples of first-class levers in everyday life?

Common examples of first-class levers include scissors, crowbars, seesaws, and bottle openers. In each case, the fulcrum is between the effort and the load.

9. How does a second-class lever differ from a first-class lever?

In a second-class lever, the load is positioned between the effort and the fulcrum. This arrangement always provides a mechanical advantage, as the effort moves a greater distance than the load.

10. What are some examples of second-class levers?

Examples of second-class levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle openers (when used to pry off a cap). In each case, the load is between the effort and the fulcrum.

11. What is a lever?

A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum. It is used to lift heavy loads or overcome resistance with less effort by applying force at one end.

12. Why are levers considered simple machines?

Levers are considered simple machines because they use a single applied force to do work against a single load force, and they consist of few or no moving parts. They demonstrate basic mechanical principles and form the basis for many complex machines.

13. What is the law of the lever?

The law of the lever states that the product of the effort force and its distance from the fulcrum equals the product of the load force and its distance from the fulcrum. Mathematically, it's expressed as: E × DE = L × DL, where E is effort, L is load, and D represents distances from the fulcrum.

14. What is the mechanical advantage of a lever?

The mechanical advantage of a lever is the ratio of the output force (load) to the input force (effort). It indicates how much the lever multiplies the applied force. A mechanical advantage greater than 1 means the lever increases the applied force.

15. How do levers relate to torque?

Levers operate on the principle of torque, which is the rotational force applied to an object. The torque produced by the effort must equal the torque produced by the load for the lever to be in equilibrium. This is why the distance from the fulcrum is crucial in lever mechanics.

16. How is the mechanical advantage of a lever calculated?

The mechanical advantage of a lever can be calculated using the formula: MA = effort arm / load arm, where the effort arm is the distance from the fulcrum to the point where effort is applied, and the load arm is the distance from the fulcrum to the load.

17. How do compound levers work?

Compound levers are systems where multiple levers are connected in series, with the output of one lever becoming the input for the next. This arrangement can greatly multiply the mechanical advantage of the system, allowing for the lifting of very heavy loads with relatively small input forces.

18. What role do levers play in complex machines?

Levers are fundamental components in many complex machines. They can be found in various forms in devices ranging from car brake systems to construction equipment. Understanding lever principles is crucial for designing and optimizing these more complex mechanical systems.

19. How does friction affect the operation of a lever?

Friction can reduce the efficiency of a lever by requiring additional effort to overcome. It primarily affects the fulcrum point and any points of contact between the lever and other surfaces. In real-world applications, minimizing friction through lubrication or using low-friction materials can improve lever performance.

20. Can you explain the concept of virtual work as it relates to levers?

The principle of virtual work states that the total virtual work done by all forces acting on a system in equilibrium is zero. For levers, this means that any small, imaginary displacement of the lever will result in the work done by the effort force being equal and opposite to the work done on the load.

21. How do levers relate to the concept of mechanical efficiency?

The mechanical efficiency of a lever is the ratio of output work to input work, usually expressed as a percentage. In an ideal lever, this would be 100%, but real-world factors like friction reduce efficiency. Understanding and optimizing efficiency is crucial in lever-based machine design.

22. Can you explain how levers are used in complex mechanisms like car brake systems?

In car brake systems, multiple levers work together to amplify the force from the driver's foot. The brake pedal acts as a lever, increasing the force applied to the master cylinder. This force is then further amplified through hydraulic systems and additional levers at each wheel, demonstrating how lever principles can be applied in complex, multi-stage systems.

23. What is the role of levers in biomechanics and ergonomics?

In biomechanics and ergonomics, understanding lever principles helps in designing tools, equipment, and workspaces that minimize physical strain. For example, ergonomic designs often aim to optimize the lever arrangements in the human body to reduce stress on muscles and joints during various tasks.

24. Can you explain how levers are used in ancient and modern architecture?

In both ancient and modern architecture, lever principles are used in various ways. In ancient times, levers were crucial for moving and placing large stone blocks. In modern architecture, lever concepts are applied in the design of cantilevers, balconies, and in the operation of various building components like doors and windows.

25. What is the significance of understanding levers in the field of robotics?

In robotics, understanding lever principles is crucial for designing efficient and precise robotic arms and manipulators. Lever concepts help in optimizing the force, speed, and range of motion of robotic components, allowing for the creation of robots that can perform a wide range of tasks with varying force and precision requirements.

26. Can you explain how levers are used in the design of exercise equipment?

In exercise equipment, lever principles are often used to create variable resistance. For example, in weight machines, the position of the weight stack relative to the pivot point can be adjusted to change the effective resistance. This allows users to progressively increase the difficulty of exercises as their strength improves.

27. What is the importance of understanding levers in the field of prosthetics?

In prosthetics, understanding lever principles is crucial for designing artificial limbs that can effectively replicate the function of natural limbs. Prosthetic designers use lever concepts to optimize the force, range of motion, and energy efficiency of artificial joints and limbs, helping to create more natural and functional prostheses for users.

28. What characterizes a third-class lever?

In a third-class lever, the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. This type of lever typically sacrifices force for speed or distance, often resulting in a mechanical disadvantage.

29. Can you provide examples of third-class levers?

Common examples of third-class levers include tweezers, human arms (when lifting objects), and brooms (when sweeping). In each case, the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load.

30. Do all levers provide a mechanical advantage?

No, not all levers provide a mechanical advantage. First-class and second-class levers can provide a mechanical advantage, but third-class levers typically have a mechanical advantage less than 1, trading force for speed or range of motion.

31. How does changing the position of the fulcrum affect a lever's mechanical advantage?

Moving the fulcrum closer to the load increases the mechanical advantage, as it increases the effort arm relative to the load arm. This makes it easier to lift the load but requires moving the effort arm through a greater distance.

32. Can a lever have a mechanical advantage of exactly 1?

Yes, a lever can have a mechanical advantage of exactly 1. This occurs when the effort arm and load arm are equal in length. In this case, the lever doesn't multiply force but may change the direction of the applied force.

33. How do levers in the human body work?

Many parts of the human body act as levers. For example, when you lift a weight with your arm, your elbow acts as the fulcrum, your bicep provides the effort, and the weight in your hand is the load. This is typically a third-class lever, prioritizing speed and range of motion over force multiplication.

34. What's the difference between effort force and resistance force in a lever?

The effort force is the input force applied to the lever to move the load, while the resistance force (also called the load) is the force that the lever is working against. In simple terms, the effort is what you put in, and the resistance is what you're trying to move or overcome.

35. How does the concept of work relate to levers?

In physics, work is defined as force multiplied by distance. With levers, the work done by the effort force equals the work done on the load. While a lever may reduce the force needed, it increases the distance over which that force must be applied, keeping the total work constant.

36. Can you explain the concept of mechanical disadvantage in levers?

Mechanical disadvantage occurs when a lever requires more force to be applied than the force it exerts on the load. This is common in third-class levers, where the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. While this arrangement may seem inefficient, it often allows for greater speed or precision of movement.

37. How do levers demonstrate the conservation of energy principle?

Levers demonstrate the conservation of energy principle by showing that the work input equals the work output (ignoring friction). While a lever may provide a mechanical advantage in terms of force, it doesn't create or destroy energy. The reduced force is compensated by an increased distance of movement.

38. What is meant by the term "ideal mechanical advantage" in lever systems?

The ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) of a lever is the theoretical mechanical advantage calculated based on the lever's geometry, assuming no energy losses due to friction or other factors. It represents the maximum possible mechanical advantage under perfect conditions.

39. How does the actual mechanical advantage differ from the ideal mechanical advantage?

The actual mechanical advantage (AMA) is typically less than the ideal mechanical advantage due to real-world factors like friction and material deformation. The ratio of AMA to IMA is a measure of the lever's efficiency.

40. Can you explain how levers are used in the human skeletal system?

In the human skeletal system, bones act as lever arms, joints serve as fulcrums, and muscles provide the effort force. Different types of levers are found throughout the body. For example, the foot acts as a second-class lever when standing on tiptoes, while the forearm acts as a third-class lever when lifting an object.

41. How do levers relate to the concept of moment of force?

The moment of force, or torque, is crucial in understanding lever operation. It's calculated as the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the force's line of action to the fulcrum. In a balanced lever, the clockwise and counterclockwise moments are equal, demonstrating the principle of moments.

42. What is the significance of the effort arm to load arm ratio in lever design?

The ratio of effort arm to load arm is crucial in lever design as it determines the mechanical advantage. A larger effort arm relative to the load arm increases the mechanical advantage, making it easier to lift heavy loads but requiring more distance of movement. This ratio is key in optimizing levers for specific applications.

43. How do levers demonstrate the concept of mechanical equilibrium?

A lever in mechanical equilibrium has no net torque acting on it, meaning the sum of clockwise and counterclockwise torques is zero. This state demonstrates how forces can be balanced around a pivot point, a fundamental concept in statics and engineering design.

44. Can you explain how the principle of moments applies to levers?

The principle of moments states that for a lever in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments equals the sum of counterclockwise moments about any point. This principle is crucial for understanding lever balance and forms the basis for solving many lever-related problems in physics and engineering.

45. How do levers relate to the concept of force multiplication?

Levers can multiply force by trading distance for force. When the effort arm is longer than the load arm, the lever multiplies the input force, allowing a smaller effort to lift a larger load. This force multiplication is key to understanding how levers provide mechanical advantage.

46. What is the role of levers in simple machines like pulleys and wheel-and-axle systems?

Levers form the conceptual basis for other simple machines. In pulleys, each rope segment acts like a lever arm. In wheel-and-axle systems, the wheel and axle function as a continuous lever, with the axle radius and wheel radius corresponding to the load arm and effort arm, respectively.

47. How do levers demonstrate the work-energy principle?

Levers demonstrate the work-energy principle by showing that the work done by the effort force equals the work done on the load (ignoring friction). While a lever may reduce the force needed, it increases the distance over which that force must be applied, keeping the total work (and thus energy) constant.

48. Can you explain how levers are used in measuring instruments like balances?

In balance scales, the principle of levers is used to compare unknown masses with known masses. The balance beam acts as a first-class lever with the fulcrum at the center. When the torques on both sides are equal, the beam is horizontal, indicating that the masses are equal.

49. What is the significance of the fulcrum position in lever design?

The fulcrum position is crucial in lever design as it determines the type of lever and its mechanical advantage. Moving the fulcrum changes the relative lengths of the effort and load arms, affecting the force required and the distance through which the load moves.

50. How do levers demonstrate the principle of energy conservation?

Levers demonstrate energy conservation by showing that while they can provide a mechanical advantage in terms of force, they don't create or destroy energy. The reduced force is always compensated by an increased distance of movement, keeping the total energy (work done) constant.

51. How do levers relate to the concept of torque amplification?

Levers can amplify torque by increasing the distance between the applied force and the fulcrum. This is why tools like wrenches have long handles – they increase the torque applied to a bolt or nut by increasing the lever arm length, making it easier to turn tight fasteners.

52. How do levers demonstrate the relationship between force and distance in physics?

Levers clearly demonstrate the inverse relationship between force and distance in physics. As one increases, the other decreases proportionally. This relationship is fundamental to understanding mechanical advantage and forms the basis of many mechanical systems.

53. How do levers relate to the concept of static equilibrium?

Levers in static equilibrium demonstrate key principles of statics. The sum of all forces and torques acting on the lever must be zero for it to remain stationary. This concept is crucial in structural engineering and the design of stable mechanical systems.

54. How do levers demonstrate the principle of mechanical advantage in physics?

Levers clearly demonstrate mechanical advantage by showing how a small input force can be used to overcome a larger resistive force. This principle is fundamental to understanding how simple machines work and forms the basis for many complex mechanical systems.

55. How do levers relate to the concept of force transmission in mechanical systems?

Levers are fundamental in force transmission, allowing forces to be redirected, amplified, or reduced as needed. They demonstrate how force can be transmitted through a rigid body, pivoting around a fixed point. This principle is crucial in the design of many mechanical systems, from simple hand tools to complex machinery.