Levers and Pulleys
⭐ MasteredA lever turns around a fixed point called a fulcrum. A pulley uses a wheel and rope to lift things more easily.
A seesaw is a lever.
All about Levers and Pulleys
A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point called the fulcrum. Pushing one end lifts a load at the other. Levers come in three classes depending on where the load, effort and fulcrum sit.
A pulley is a wheel with a rope or chain running around it. A single fixed pulley changes the direction of your pull. Adding more pulleys in a block and tackle system lets you lift heavier things with less effort.
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Real-life uses of Levers and Pulleys
- Using a seesaw or crowbar to lift a heavy object
- Raising flags on a pole with a pulley
- Lifting building materials on cranes and construction sites
Frequently asked questions about Levers and Pulleys
Where is the fulcrum on a seesaw?
In the middle. Pushing one side down lifts the other side up.
Why does a pulley make lifting easier?
It spreads the load across more rope, so you need less force to lift it, although you pull more rope.
What is a first-class lever?
A lever where the fulcrum is between the effort and the load, like a seesaw or a pair of scissors.