Lever
principle · 250 BC · Ancient world
A simple machine that multiplies force through leverage. Described by Archimedes.
What it is made of
- Beam — has part. A lever is a rigid beam that turns around a pivot.
Principles and materials it uses
- Torque — uses. A lever is a moment of force around a fulcrum.
Where it is used
- Pedal — is used in. A crank with a pedal works as a lever: the longer the crank, the more torque.
- Trebuchet — is used in. The throwing arm is a long lever.
- Egyptian pyramid — is used in. Levers were used to move the blocks.
- Shaduf — is used in. A shaduf is a lever with a counterweight.
- Oar — is used in. An oar is a lever pivoting in a rowlock.
- Balance scale — is used in. A balance is an equal-armed lever.
- Typewriter — is part of. Each key is a system of levers.
- Hammer — is used in. The handle lengthens the arm of the blow.
- Scissors — is used in. Scissors are two first-class levers.
- Wrench — is used in. The length of the wrench increases the torque.
- Vending machine — is part of. A coin presses a lever that opens the dispenser.
- Pantograph — is used in. A hinged linkage presses the shoe against the wire.
- Rudder — is used in. The rudder blade is turned by a tiller, which is a lever.
- Piano — is part of. The hammer action is a system of levers.
- Can opener — is used in. A lever can opener.
- Umbrella — is used in. The folding mechanism is levers.
- Axe — is used in. The haft lengthens the arm of the blow.
- Pliers — is used in. Two lever jaws on a pivot.
- Blacksmith’s tongs — is used in. A lever tool.
- Wheelbarrow — is used in. A second-class lever: the wheel is the fulcrum.
- Stilts — is used in. An extended support.
- Shovel — is used in. The handle is a lever.
- Pitchfork — is used in. A lever.
- Bit and bridle — is used in. The bit acts as a lever on the jaw.
- Spear-thrower — is used in. It extends the arm — a lever.
- Trigger — is used in. A lever mechanism.
- Compasses — is used in. Two legs on a hinge.
- Handbrake — is used in. A lever.
- Railway semaphore — is used in. The semaphore is set by a lever.
- Railway switch — is used in. Switched by a lever or a motor.
What it is a kind of
- Simple machine — is a kind of. A lever is a simple machine.