Question

How are the orders of the lever determined?

Answer 1

The orders of the lever are determined depending on the position of the effort, the fulcrum, and the load.

1. Lever of the first order: When the fulcrum is situated between load and effort, we call it a lever of the first order. For example, beam balance, a crowbar, a see-saw."
   
2. Lever of second order: When the fulcrum and effort are situated at the two opposite ends of the lever and a load is placed in between them, we call it a lever of second order. For example, a nutcracker, a wheel-barrow, etc.
   
3. Lever of the third order: When the fulcrum and load are situated at the opposite ends of the lever and an effort is applied somewhere between them, we call it a lever of the third order. For example, a pair of tongs, a fishing rod, etc.