Levers
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 5.3.2
Levers
A lever is a long bar that sits on a pivot. A seesaw is an example of a lever.
Force multipliers
- Levers can be described as force multipliers.
- Force multipliers are simple machines.
Pivots
- The middle part of the seesaw is called a pivot or fulcrum.
- The bar is moved against the pivot to move an object.
- The position of people along the seesaw determines how easy it is to move them.
Moments
- If you have a lever long & strong enough, you could lift a kangaroo.
- You'd be able to lift the kangaroo because the longer the lever, the more force can be applied.
- This turning force in a lever is called a moment.
Test yourself on Levers
What is the turning force in a lever called?
What name describes a long bar that sits on a pivot?
What name is given to the middle part of a see-saw?
What lever should you use if you want to lift an elephant?