Simple Machines – Levers

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A lever is a machine comprising a bar moving around a fixed point, known as the fulcrum. It reduces the effort needed to move a load but increases the distance the effort travels. This is done by altering the position of the fulcrum or applying effort further from it.
Three types of levers exist:

First-class levers: The fulcrum is between the load and effort. Moving the effort further from the fulcrum increases the force on the load. See-saws, claw hammers, and scissors are examples. Work becomes easier as the force applied to the load is multiplied.

Second-class levers: The load is between the effort and fulcrum, and the effort moves over a larger distance to raise the load with greater force. Wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, and bottle-openers function as second-class levers. The effort's direction aligns with the force on the load.

Third-class levers: The effort is between the fulcrum and the load, requiring more effort to move the load, but the speed of the load is multiplied. Fishing rods, baseball bats, and brooms function this way.

Overall, levers make work more manageable by adjusting the effort, distance, and force applied to the load, each type offering unique functionality.