Types of Machines

Types of Machines

Lever

A lever is a rigid bar pivotal on a support known as fulcrum or pivot. A force F is applied at one end of the bar to overcome load L at the other end.

The distance between the fulcrum and the effort is called effort arm while the distance between the load and fulcrum is called load arm. 

Types of Lever

First Class Lever:  For this type of machines, the fulcrum is between the load and the effort applied e.g. plier, scissors, claw harmers, etc.

Second Class Lever:  The load is between effort and the fulcrum.

Example is a wheelbarrow, opener, etc.

Third Class Lever: This is when the effort applied is between the load and the fulcrum e.g. nutcracker, forceps, sugar tong.