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GCSE Physics · key term
A rigid bar that turns about a pivot and transmits the turning effect of an applied force.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Paper 2
Revise: Levers and GearsA simple lever is a rigid bar that turns about a pivot. Push on one part of the bar and it turns, exerting a force elsewhere. In a crowbar, for example, you push down on the long end while the short end lifts a heavy object.
Specification 9.9P · Paper 2
A rigid bar that can turn about a pivot to transmit the turning effect of an applied force.
Revise: Levers and GearsA lever or a pair of gears can transmit this turning effect from where a force is applied to where it is needed.
Specification P2.3m · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
A rigid bar that turns about a pivot and transmits a force from one position to another.
Revise: Levers and gearsLevers and gears transmit this turning effect from where a force is applied to where it is needed. By changing the distances involved, they can make a smaller input force produce a larger output force or turning moment.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A rigid object that turns about a pivot and transmits the rotational effect of a force.
Revise: Circular Motion, Moments, Levers and GearsIf a force acts at right angles to a straight lever, this may equal the distance along the lever. If the force is angled, the full lever length is not generally the correct distance.
For a lever, identify the pivot, the applied force and the force on the load before comparing their distances from the pivot.
For a lever, link the applied force to rotation about the pivot and then to the force exerted on the load.
Do not assume every lever increases force. Compare the perpendicular distances of the effort and load from the pivot.
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