Levers

Question 1

define what a lever is

Answer 1

a rigid structure that moves around a fixed point when a force is applied

Question 2

what are the three components of a lever?

Answer 2

fulcrum
load
effort

Question 3

define fulcrum

Answer 3

the fixed point/pivot

Question 4

define load

Answer 4

where the weight/resistance is coming from

Question 5

define effort

Answer 5

where the force is coming from

Question 6

in the body…

bones act as ____________
the joints are the ____________
the muscles provide the ____________

Answer 6

levers
fulcrum
effort

Question 7

what are the two main functions of levers (2)

Answer 7

• to increase the speed and range of motion at which a body / limb can move through
• to generate maximal force against a given load / resistance

Question 8

features of a first class lever (2)

Answer 8

• fulcrum is in the middle
• the load is at one end and the effort applied at the other

Question 9

examples of first class levers in the body (2)

Answer 9

the joint at the neck

fulcrum = neck joint
load = weight of the head
effort = muscles in the neck

elbow extension

Question 10

sporting examples wherein a first class lever is used (2)

Answer 10

heading the ball in football
tricep extension

Question 11

features of a second class lever (2)

Answer 11

• load is in the middle
• the fulcrum is at one end, the effort applied at the other

Question 12

example of a second class lever in the body

Answer 12

ankle joint

fulcrum = ankle joint
load = weight of the foot
effort = gastrocnemius

Question 13

sporting examples wherein a second class lever is used (3)

Answer 13

high jump
long jump
calf raises

Question 14

features of a third class lever (2)

Answer 14

• effort is in the middle
• the load is at one end, the fulcrum at the other

Question 15

examples of third class levers in the body (4)

Answer 15

elbow flexion
the knee
the shoulder
the hip

Question 16

sporting examples wherein a third class lever is used (4)

Answer 16

bicep curl
kicking a football
uppercut
backhand shot in tennis

Question 17

mechanical advantage (3)

Answer 17

where a lever’s effort arm is longer than it’s load arm

• can lift heavy weights
• can not move at fast speeds and has limited range of motion

Question 18

mechanical disadvantage (4)

Answer 18

where a lever’s load arm is longer than it’s effort arm

• can move quickly
• greater range of motion
• requires more effort to lift heavy weights