Which one of the following sketches correctly describes a lever of second class ?
Sketch (a) showing Fulcrum at one end, Load in the middle, Effort at the other end.
Sketch (b) showing Fulcrum at one end, Effort in the middle, Load at the other end.
Sketch (c) showing Fulcrum in the middle, Load at one end, Effort at the other end.
Sketch (d) showing Fulcrum at one end, Load in the middle, Effort at the other end.
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
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.