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Lesson 9 of 12

Levers and linkages

I can describe the function of levers and linkages using specific examples.

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View unit
Lesson 9 of 12
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New

Levers and linkages

I can describe the function of levers and linkages using specific examples.

Download all

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Levers move an input force around a fulcrum by mechanical advantage to an output force.
  2. Linkages move a force and can change direction of the force.

Keywords

  • Fulcrum - a fixed pivot point

  • Effort - input force

  • Load - output force

  • Mechanical advantage (MA) - to make moving or lifting something easier

  • Linkages - a set of levers joined together to transfer and control motion

Common misconception

The only way to gain MA is by increasing the input force.

MA can be increased by increasing the distance from the fulcrum and the effort. For example, increasing the arm length on the handle of a flat head screwdriver when opening a can of paint.

Building bricks are a great way to teach levers and to see the impact of changing forces and distances from fulcrum. Look around your classroom; you will have examples such as screwdrivers, tongs, scissors, tin snips, wheelbarrows that you could use to demonstrate both levers and linkages. Enjoy!
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
A children's swing is an example of:

linear motion
reciprocating motion
rotary motion
Correct answer: oscillating motion

Q2.
Match the product to the type of output motion:

Correct Answer:riding a bike along a road,linear

linear

Correct Answer:sewing machine needle,reciprocating

reciprocating

Correct Answer:the hands on an analogue clock,rotary

rotary

Correct Answer:the pendulum on a grandfather clock,oscillating

oscillating

Q3.
What does equilibrium mean?

Correct answer: forces are balanced and there is no movement
objects are always moving
one force is stronger than the others
forces cause the object to speed up

Q4.
To open a tin of paint or varnish more easily, what could you do?

use your fingernails as a lever
Correct answer: use a flathead screwdriver as a lever
use a coin as a lever

Q5.
A work horse is a product that uses linkages. Why do you think it may use linkages?

An image in a quiz
to keep the cost low
to enable it to dry clothes
Correct answer: to enable it to fold down to be compact

Q6.
Look at the picture. What would happen if one of the small penguins moved off the seesaw.

An image in a quiz
large penguin would move up away from the floor
Correct answer: the small penguins would move up away from the floor
Correct answer: the large penguin would move towards the floor
the small penguins would move down towards the floor

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Levers have three changeable elements. Match the element to its definition:

Correct Answer:fulcrum,a fixed pivot point to move around

a fixed pivot point to move around

Correct Answer:effort,the input force

the input force

Correct Answer:load,the output force

the output force

Q2.
Match the products to the order of lever:

Correct Answer:wheelbarrow,second class lever

second class lever

Correct Answer:tweezers,third class lever

third class lever

Correct Answer:scissors,first class lever

first class lever

Correct Answer:tongs,third class lever

third class lever

Correct Answer:seesaw,first class lever

first class lever

Correct Answer:nutcracker,second class lever

second class lever

Q3.
Linkages are a set of levers joined together to:

Correct answer: change the direction of a force
only move objects in a straight line
Correct answer: change the magnitude of a force
Correct answer: transform one type of motion into another motion
increase the weight of an object

Q4.
In a reverse motion linkage, the input and output...

move in the same direction as each other
Correct answer: move in opposite directions to each other
neither move at all
output moves at 90 degrees to input

Q5.
How can mechanical advantage (MA) be increased in a first class lever?

increase the speed
increase the size of the fulcrum
increasing the input force
Correct answer: increase the distance between fulcrum and effort

Q6.
If the input motion in a treadle linkage is rotary, what is the output motion?

An image in a quiz
rotary
linear
reciprocating
Correct answer: oscillating

Lesson appears in

UnitDesign and technology / Core principles

Design and technology

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