Monday, April 29, 2013

LEVERS

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