lever systems

• what is the fulcrum?

  the joint where the lever pivots
• what is the effort?

  the force applied by the muscles to the lever arm
• what is the load?

  the pull of the muscles on the lever arm
• the first class lever is used in the elbow and neck extension ( heading a football)
• in a first class lever the fulcrum is in the middle and the load and effort are on opposite ends
• second class levers are used in standing on your toes ( before you jump)
• in a second class lever the load is in the middle and the fulcrum and effort are on opposite ends
• third class levers are used in elbow flexion (lifting a weight) and flexion and extension at the shoulder, hip and knee
• mechanical advantage = effort arm / weight (resistance) arm
• what is the mechanical advantage of a second class lever?

  able the life heavier loads due to its long effort arm
• what is the mechanical advantage for a third class lever?

  provides speed and a wide range of movement due to its long resistance arm
• what's the acronym for identifying lever systems?

  FLE