What type of lever has the effort applied at one end, the fulcrum at the other, with the load in between?

The correct answer identifies a second-class lever. In this type of lever, the arrangement is set up with the fulcrum at one end and the load positioned between the effort and the fulcrum. This structure allows for greater mechanical advantage since the effort applied is farther from the fulcrum compared to the load. As a result, less force is required to lift or move the load.

These characteristics are a hallmark of second-class levers, which are commonly found in everyday instances, such as a wheelbarrow, where the wheel acts as the fulcrum and the load is placed between the wheel and where the person lifts. This lever design is efficient for moving heavy loads because it allows a greater force to be applied with less effort.

In contrast, first-class levers have the fulcrum located between the effort and the load, resembling a seesaw. Third-class levers have the effort applied between the fulcrum and the load, making them useful for increasing the speed or distance rather than mechanical advantage. The term "fourth class" does not apply in the context of levers; typically, levers are classified into just three categories. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing how different lever systems function in terms of applied