A first class lever has the fulcrum in the middle. Some examples are a see-saw and scissors. Set up your first class lever as shown below.
The part of the lever between the resistance and the fulcrum is called the resistance arm.
The part of the lever between the fulcrum and the effort is the effort arm.
Move the fulcrum closer to the resistance, shortening the resistance arm. Try the lever. Is lifting the brick easier or harder?
Now move the fulcrum closer to the effort, shortening the effort arm. Try the lever. Is lifting the brick easier or harder? Did you have to push a greater distance or a lesser distance than when the resistance arm was shorter?
When you are ready for the second quiz, click here.