The three classes of levers differ in the relative positions of the fulcrum, force, and resistance, influencing factors like force, speed, range of motion, and inertia.
What are these class of lever?
First Class Levers:
Characteristics:
Fulcrum (axis of rotation) is located between the applied force (effort) and the resistance (load).
Examples: Scissors, seesaws, arm flexing (elbow as the fulcrum).
Advantages: Greater speed, force, and range of motion due to the fulcrum's position.
Disadvantages: Requires more effort to overcome the resistance.
Second Class Levers:
Characteristics:
Resistance (load) is located between the fulcrum and the applied force (effort).
Examples: Nutcrackers, wheelbarrows, standing on toes (ankle as the fulcrum).
Advantages: Smoother movement due to less inertia and requires less force.
Disadvantages: Smaller range of motion and less velocity compared to first-class levers.
Third Class Levers:
Characteristics:
Applied force (effort) is located between the fulcrum and the resistance (load).
Examples: Oars, knee extension (hamstring contraction as the effort, lower leg flexion as the resistance).
Advantages: Requires less effort than first-class levers and greater range of motion than second-class levers.
Disadvantages: Higher inertia, making them harder to stop or move quickly.