Levers
Science: KS3, topic 3.2.19
Levers
A lever increases the distance between the pivot and the force.
What is a lever?
- A lever is a rigid bar that turns about a pivot.
- The pivot is also called the fulcrum.
Transmitting a force
- A lever transmits the turning effect of a force from one place to another.
- The turning effect of a force is called its moment.
Increasing distance
- A lever increases the distance between the pivot and where the force is applied.
Less force needed
- Moment = force x distance.
- So using a lever means we need less force to get the same moment.
Test yourself on Levers
Select the correct statement in each pair.
A mechanic swaps a short spanner for a longer one to loosen a tight nut. Why does the longer spanner make this easier?