Final answer:
The statement is false; in a lever system, the pivot is known as the fulcrum and it is the fixed point around which the lever rotates, not the load.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the load is the pivot point of a lever is false. In the context of levers, the pivot is actually referred to as the fulcrum. The fulcrum is the fixed point around which the lever rotates. The load is the object that is being moved by the lever, and it is typically located at some distance from the fulcrum. In examining torques and lever arms, one fundamental principle applied is t = r1 F, where 't' represents torque, 'r1' is the perpendicular lever arm, and 'F' is the force exerted.
The perpendicular lever arm is the shortest distance from the pivot point to the line of action where the force is applied. For equilibrium of a system, such as with a lever, the net external torque must be zero. This condition is critical for maintaining the state of balance or steadiness.