Question

If a lever operates at a mechanical disadvantage, it means that the ________.
(A) effort is farther than the load from the fulcrum
(B) load is far from the fulcrum and the effort is applied near the fulcrum
(C) lever system is useless
(D) load is near the fulcrum and the effort is at the distal end

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is option 'B': Load is far from fulcrum and the effort is applied near the fulcrum

Explanation:

A lever works on the principle of balancing of torques. The torque about the fulcrum by the load should be equal to the torque by the applied effort. Since we know that the torque is proportional to both the force and the distance it is applied from the distance from the axis of rotation. A lever is used when we need to lift a heavy load by utilizing this effect of the lever arm.

A mechanical disadvantage occurs when we are not able to lift the weight easily due to the fact we apply effort near the fulcrum.