Which one of the following sketches correctly describes a lever of second class ?
[amp_mcq option1=”Sketch (a) showing Fulcrum at one end, Load in the middle, Effort at the other end.” option2=”Sketch (b) showing Fulcrum at one end, Effort in the middle, Load at the other end.” option3=”Sketch (c) showing Fulcrum in the middle, Load at one end, Effort at the other end.” option4=”Sketch (d) showing Fulcrum at one end, Load in the middle, Effort at the other end.” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2024
– Levers are classified into three classes based on the relative positions of the fulcrum (F), the load (L), and the effort (E).
– Class 1 Lever: F is between E and L (E – F – L or L – F – E). Examples: seesaw, crowbar.
– Class 2 Lever: L is between F and E (F – L – E). Examples: wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener.
– Class 3 Lever: E is between F and L (F – E – L). Examples: tweezers, fishing rod, forearm lifting a weight.
– The question asks for a second-class lever. In a second-class lever, the Load is always located between the Fulcrum and the Effort.
– Option A’s description (“Fulcrum at one end, Load in the middle, Effort at the other end”) matches the configuration of a Class 2 lever (F – L – E).
– Option B describes a Class 3 lever (F – E – L).
– Option C describes a Class 1 lever (E – F – L or L – F – E, specifically F in the middle).
– Option D’s description is identical to Option A’s. Without seeing the sketches, we rely on the description provided in the options. Assuming Sketch (a) corresponds to the description in A and is a visual representation of F-L-E, then A is correct.