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Lesson 6 of 10

Levers

I can identify levers and describe their purpose and how they work.

View unit
Lesson 6 of 10
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Levers

I can identify levers and describe their purpose and how they work.

Lesson details

Key learning points

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

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.

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.

Pupils should try out as many types of lever as are available, identifying the load, effort and pivots.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The point at which a lever rotates called the .

Correct Answer: pivot, pivot point, fulcrum

Q2.
Which of the following act as levers?

Correct answer: a wheelbarrow
Correct answer: scissors
springs
ropes
Correct answer: a steering wheel

Q3.
Why is it easier to steer a bicycle with wide handlebars rather than one with narrower handlebars?

the grips will be better
Correct answer: 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

Q4.
A lever that produces a larger load force than the effort force is called a force .

Correct Answer: multiplier

Q5.
Why does a spanner acts as a force multiplier?

The grip holds the bolt tightly so it does not slip.
Correct answer: 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.

Q6.
A screwdriver is being used to open a tin of paint. Which statements are correct?

Correct answer: The screwdriver is acting as a force multiplier.
Correct answer: The load force is very close to the pivot.
The effort force is very close to the pivot.
Correct answer: The pivot is the edge of the paint tin.
The effort and load forces must be equal and opposite.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the key words with the explanations.

Correct Answer:lever,a simple machine designed to use the turning effect of a force

a simple machine designed to use the turning effect of a force

Correct Answer:pivot,the point along a lever at which it rotates

the point along a lever at which it rotates

Correct Answer:effort,the force applied to a lever

the force applied to a lever

Correct Answer:load,the force produced by a lever

the force produced by a lever

Correct Answer:force multiplier,a type of lever that has a larger load force than effort force

a type of lever that has a larger load force than effort force

Q2.
Where is the pivot on a wheelbarrow?

where the soil is placed
close to the handle bars
at the point where the wheel touches the floor
Correct answer: at the centre of the wheel

Q3.
The figure shows an open door. Which statement is correct?

An image in a quiz
A smaller force is needed to close the door pushing at A instead of B.
Correct answer: 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.

Q4.
What term is used for a lever that produces a larger load force than the effort force applied?

a force producer
a force increaser
Correct answer: a force multiplier
a force adder

Q5.
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?

An image in a quiz
It rotates easily.
Correct answer: The effort force is applied a large distance away from the pivot.
The effort force is applied close to the pivot.
Correct answer: The load force is produced close to the pivot.
The load force is produced a large distance from the the pivot.

Q6.
How can the load force produced by a crowbar be increased?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: increasing the effort force
Correct answer: 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
Correct answer: decreasing the distance from the load force to the pivot

Lesson appears in

UnitScience / Hidden forces

Science

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