Leverage
A lever is a simple machine that amplifies force. Leverage uses this effect to lighten heavy loads and make work easier.
THE IDEA
Many innovations in engineering have been based on the principle of leverage. Leverage is a principle that is used to identify means by which heavy loads can be lightened and, in effect, make work easier.
When to use it
Using a wheelbarrow to move heavy soil: the wheel acts as a fulcrum, reducing the effort needed to lift the load.
Using a bottle opener to pry off a cap: the opener's lip acts as a fulcrum, and the handle provides leverage.
A see-saw at a playground allows children of different weights to play by adjusting their positions relative to the center pivot.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Crowbar
A crowbar is a classic example of a lever. By placing the fulcrum close to the object being pried, a small force applied to the long end of the bar can lift a heavy load, such as a crate or a nail.
Seesaw
A seesaw demonstrates leverage: a lighter person can balance a heavier person by sitting farther from the fulcrum, effectively using the lever arm to equalize the forces.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How does the position of the fulcrum affect the force required to lift a load using a lever?
Can you identify a real-life situation where leverage is used but you hadn't noticed before?
What are the trade-offs of using a longer lever arm in terms of distance moved versus force applied?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Thinking in Systems and Mental Models Think Like a Super Thinker (Dawson, Marcus P)