Final answer:
The fixed point in a lever system is known as the fulcrum. It is the pivot point around which the lever rotates, and it plays a critical role in the mechanical advantage and function of the lever.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fixed point in a lever system is better known as the fulcrum. A lever is a simple machine comprising a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point, the fulcrum, enabling it to lift or move loads with an applied force known as the effort. The load refers to the object that needs to be moved or the resistance encountered, similar to how a nail in wood resists being pulled out by a hammer. This hammer analogy illustrates our musculoskeletal system, where our bones act as levers and the joints serve as the fulcrum points.
For a lever to be effective, certain factors must be considered such as the mass of the object, the length of the lever on both sides of the fulcrum, and the force applied. These elements are crucial in determining factors like the mechanical advantage (MA) and the angular momentum of the system when it is in motion.