Final answer:
Leverage refers to the ratio of the length of the effort arm to the resistance arm in a lever, determining the mechanical advantage of the lever.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'Leverage' refers to the ratio of the length of the effort arm to the length of the resistance arm in a lever. In a lever, the effort force is applied at one end of the lever, called the effort arm, while the load or resistance force is located at the other end, called the resistance arm. The mechanical advantage of a lever is determined by this ratio.
For example, if the effort arm of a lever is longer than the resistance arm, the lever will provide a mechanical advantage greater than 1, meaning that it can multiply the effort force. On the other hand, if the resistance arm is longer than the effort arm, the lever will have a mechanical advantage less than 1, meaning that it can multiply the distance the load moves but not the effort force.