GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Levers

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Forces Moments, levers and gears

Levers

3:57 Applying Moments
Spec 4.5.4
Previous Forces & Rotation Next Weight & Mass
  • Levers help move heavy loads with small forces.
  • Examples of levers include crowbars and wheelbarrows.
  • Levers work by transferring a moment to turn a small force at one end into a large force at the other.
  • A moment is the turning effect of a force, calculated as force multiplied by perpendicular distance.
  • In a lever, a small force applied at a distance from the pivot creates a large force at the load end.
  • Example problem: Calculating the force needed to move debris using a lever.
  • Steps to solve the problem:
  • 1. Sketch the lever and forces involved.
  • 2. Calculate the moment needed to move the debris.
  • 3. Deduce the moment needed at the other end.
  • 4. Rearrange the moment equation to solve for force.
  • 5. Substitute values to calculate the force required.
  • In the example, a force of 120 newtons is needed to move the debris.

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