Question

Which would have the lowest input force?

A short lever with a large fulcrum
A long lever with the fulcrum as far as possible from the load
A Short lever with the fulcrum as close as possible to the load
A long lever with the fulcrum as close as possible to the load

Answer 1

A long lever with the fulcrum as close as possible to the load

Step-by-step explanation:

If F be the effort , W be the weight , L₁ be the distance of load from fulcrum and L₂ be the distance of effort from the fulcrum ,

Taking moment of force about the fulcrum , we have

W x L₁ = F x L₂

F = W x ( L₁ / L₂ )

F will be minimum when L₁ will be minimum .

Hence fulcrum should be as close as possible to the load.