a lever arm (bone) that rotates or pivots around a fixed point (fulcrum) when a force (effort) is applied to move a resistance (load)

the fixed point around which a lever pivots or rotates

the force applied to a lever to move a load

the resistance that a lever is designed to move

2nd class levers allow a large load to be moved with a relatively small amount of muscular effort

Levers, mechanical advantage and disadvantage

Physical education

This unit will explore basic principles of movement and their effect on sporting performance to include the classification of levers, planes of movement and axis of rotation. This understanding enables pupils to maximise efficiency of movement or generate more power. 

Movement analysis and basic biomechanics

The seesaw is an example of which lever system?

Match the shape to the correct component of a lever.

Which lever component would be in the middle of a third class lever system?

Which image demonstrates a 3rd class lever system?

The load is positioned in the middle of which lever system?

In a second class lever, the effort arm is shorter than the load arm and therefore at a mechanical ...

Where in the body would you find a hinge joint?

Which one of the following bones articulates at the elbow joint?

Match the bones to the correct location in the body.

Which movement causes the angle at a joint to decrease?

The shoulder is an example of a ball and socket joint. Where else in the body would you find a ball and socket joint?

Name the muscle in the back of the lower leg in this image.

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Levers, mechanical advantage and disadvantage

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.