Levers

Question 1

First Class Levers

Answer 1

The fulcrum is based between the resistance and the force; pivot point in the middle.

Question 2

Where are the directions going in a first class lever?

Answer 2

Resistance and force are applied in the same direction.

Question 3

What is an example of a first class lever in the human body?

Answer 3

Nodding your head:
-> Force - muscles and tendons
-> Fulcrum - spine
-> Resistance - weight of the head

Question 4

Example of a first class lever in sport?

Answer 4

Nodding head is commonly used in heading a ball in soccer and packing into a rugby scrum.

Question 5

Second Class Levers

Answer 5

The resistance is placed between the fulcrum and force; pivot point at one end.

Question 6

Where are the directions going in a second class lever?

Answer 6

Resistance and force are applied in opposite directions.

Question 7

What is an example of a second class lever in the human body?

Answer 7

Standing on the ball of your foot:
-> Force - calf muscle and Achilles tendon
-> Fulcrum - ball of foot
-> Resistance - weight of body

Question 8

Example of a second class lever in sport?

Answer 8

Commonly used when jumping to complete a block in volleyball or a jump shot in basketball.

Question 9

Third Class Levers

Answer 9

Force is placed between the fulcrum and resistance; effort in the middle.

Question 10

Where are the directions going in third class levers?

Answer 10

Force is applied upward therefore the resistance also moves upwards.

Question 11

Example of a third class lever in the human body?

Answer 11

Bicep curl:
-> Force - tendon and bicep muscle
-> Fulcrum - elbow joints
-> Resistance - weight of the forearm and hand.

Question 12

Example of a third class lever in sport?

Answer 12

Commonly used when completing a bicep curl or hitting a ball with a racket or bat.

Question 13

Force Multipliers

Answer 13

Levers that make it easier to move a heavy object with less force by increasing the distance over which the force is acting.

Question 14

Example of a force multiplier.

Answer 14

Diving board

Question 15

Speed Multiplier

Answer 15

Levers that can increase the speed of, or distance travelled by, and object by changing a strong force that operates over a shorter distance into a weak force that operates over a longer distance.

Question 16

Example of a speed multiplier.

Answer 16

Cricket bat