Levers | Science | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

The point at which a lever rotates called the ______.
- 'pivot' ✓
Which of the following act as levers?
- a wheelbarrow ✓
- scissors ✓
- springs
- ropes
- a steering wheel ✓
Why is it easier to steer a bicycle with wide handlebars, like those shown, than one with narrower handlebars?
- the grips will be better
- the effort force will be further from the pivot ✓
- the effort force will be closer from the pivot
- they are more aerodynamic
- the pivot is closer to the centre
A lever that produces a larger load force than the effort force is called a force ______.
- 'multiplier' ✓
Why does a spanner acts as a force multiplier?
- The grip holds the bolt tightly so it does not slip.
- The effort force is further from the pivot than the load force. ✓
- The effort force is closer to the pivot than the load force.
- The handle makes the spanner easy to grip so a large force is produced.
A screwdriver is being used to open a tin of paint. Which statements are correct?
- The screwdriver is acting as a force multiplier. ✓
- The load force is very close to the pivot. ✓
- The effort force is very close to the pivot.
- The pivot is the edge of the paint tin. ✓
- The effort and load forces must be equal and opposite.

Exit quiz

Match the key words with the explanations.
- lever
  
  ⇔
  
  a simple machine designed to use the turning effect of a force ✓
- pivot
  
  ⇔
  
  the point along a lever at which it rotates ✓
- effort
  
  ⇔
  
  the force applied to a lever ✓
- load
  
  ⇔
  
  the force produced by a lever ✓
- force multiplier
  
  ⇔
  
  a type of lever that has a larger load force than effort force ✓
Where is the pivot on this wheelbarrow containing soil?
- where the soil is placed
- close to the handle bars
- at the point where the wheel touches the floor
- at the centre of the wheel ✓
The figure shows an open door. Which statement is correct?
- A smaller force is needed to close the door pushing at A instead of B.
- A smaller force is needed to close the door pushing at B instead of A. ✓
- The same size force is needed to close the door pushing at A and at B.
- The door is most easily closed by pushing very close to the hinges.
What term is used for a lever that produces a larger load force than the effort force applied?
- a force producer
- a force increaser
- a force multiplier ✓
- a force adder
The figure shows a winch used to pull on a rope. The winch is operated by pulling the handle around the pivot in the middle. Which feature make this lever a force multiplier?
- It rotates easily.
- The effort force is applied a large distance away from the pivot. ✓
- The effort force is applied close to the pivot.
- The load force is produced close to the pivot. ✓
- The load force is produced a large distance from the the pivot.
How can the load force produced by a crowbar be increased?
- increasing the effort force ✓
- increasing the distance from the effort force to the pivot ✓
- decreasing the distance from the effort force to the pivot
- increasing the distance from the load force to the pivot
- decreasing the distance from the load force to the pivot ✓

Worksheet

Presentation

Video

Lesson Details

Key learning points

Levers can multiply a small force into a larger force.
Levers can multiply a small movement into a larger movement.
There are different types of lever, each with the pivot in a different position.

Common misconception

Pupils confuse the term moment with ideas about time or movement.

Use the term ‘turning effect’ in this lesson whilst ideas are being introduced and consolidated.

Keywords

Lever - A lever is a simple machine designed to use the turning effect of a force.
Effort - The force applied to a lever is called the effort.
Load - The force produced by a lever is called the load.
Pivot - A lever will rotate around a pivot.
Force multiplier - If a lever produces a larger load force than the effort force, it is a force multiplier.