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Levers: Simple Machines
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Levers are one of the basic tools that were probably used in prehistoric times. Levers were first described about 260 BC by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes (287-212 BC).

A lever is a simple machine that makes work easier for use; it involves moving a load around a pivot using a force. Many of our basic tools use levers, including scissors (2 class 1 levers), pliers (2 class 1 levers), hammer claws (a single class 2 lever), nut crackers (2 class 2 levers), and tongs (2 class 3 levers).


A Type 1 Lever.

A Type 2 Lever.

A Type 3 Lever.




A Type 1 Lever.
In a Type 1 Lever, the pivot (fulcrum) is between the effort and the load. In an off-center type one lever (like a pliers), the load is larger than the effort, but is moved through a smaller distance.

Examples of common tools (and other items) that use a type 1 lever include:

Item Number of Class 1 Levers Used
see-saw a single class 1 lever
hammer's claws a single class 1 lever
scissors scissors 2 class 1 levers
pliers pliers 2 class 1 levers




A Type 2 Lever.
In a Type 2 Lever, the load is between the pivot (fulcrum) and the effort.

Examples of common tools that use a type 2 lever include:

Item Number of Class 2 Levers Used
stapler a single class 2 lever
bottle opener a single class 2 lever
wheelbarrow a single class 2 lever
nail clippers Two class 2 levers
nut cracker Two class 2 levers




A Type 3 Lever.
In a Type 3 Lever, the effort is between the pivot (fulcrum) and the load.

Examples of common tools that use a type 3 lever include:

Item Number of Class 3 Levers Used
fishing rod a single class 3 lever
tweezers Two class 3 levers
tongs Two class 3 levers





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