Answer:
to lift and balance an object, the effort force the user applies multiplied by its distance to the fulcrum must equal the load force multiplied by its distance to the fulcrum. Consequently, the greater the distance between the effort force and the fulcrum, the heavier a load can be lifted with the same effort force.
Explanation:
Have you ever wondered how ancient people could lift very heavy objects, such as large stones, to build pyramids? A lever is a simple machine that can help people do just this. It can also help make other kinds of physical work easier by giving the user a mechanical advantage.
Common examples of levers you might see around you are seesaws, scissors, wheelbarrows and even the your own jaw. Although all of these levers have the same functional parts, they vary in where the different components are located. How much effort does it take to lift a heavy load using a common type of lever.
Seesaws and scissors belong to a certain class of levers, called class 1. Class 1 levers usually have a beam that is rigid, long and thin, like a ruler. Between the two ends of the beam is the fulcrum, or pivot point, which is the point at which the beam can balance and move freely up and down around. On one end, the user places the load to be moved. On the other end, the user can apply effort, or a force, to try and move the load.
The way levers work is by multiplying the effort exerted by the user. Specifically, to lift and balance an object, the effort force the user applies multiplied by its distance to the fulcrum must equal the load force multiplied by its distance to the fulcrum. Consequently, the greater the distance between the effort force and the fulcrum, the heavier a load can be lifted with the same effort force.
