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Lever Definition

A lever is a plank that rests on something underneath and moves up and down. For example, a seesaw is a lever.

View Lesson on Simple Machines
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Simple Machines

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • A lever helps lift a rock by applying force on one end.
  • When you push down on one side of a lever, the other side goes up.
  • Levers can lift heavy objects like furniture.

Why Do We Need To Know About Lever

Learning about levers helps us understand how simple machines make work easier. Levers allow us to lift heavy things using less effort by pushing or pulling over a longer distance, similar to how a seesaw works. This idea is used in building things and in gardening.

People who work in moving companies, design houses, or build structures often use levers to lift and move big objects more easily. Knowing how levers work teaches us useful ways to handle everyday tasks. Moving the middle part of a lever close to the object you want to lift makes it easier. This shows us how important levers are, not just in our daily lives but also in many jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Describe a simple machine.
Simple machines have few or no moving parts. They make work easier by changing the direction of a force or by changing the amount of force needed.
Why are simple machines important?
Simple machines can help make work easier. Without simple machines you might not be able to move something really heavy.
How does a pulley help lift things?
A pulley uses a wheel to change the direction of a force. As you pull down, the object goes up. Sometimes pulling down is easier because the force of gravity helps.
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