Levers: The Ultimate Force Multipliers

Learn how mechanical engineers use levers to move heavy things with ease.

Mechanical engineering is about moving and controlling energy. A lever is one of the simplest and most powerful tools we have. By placing a load on one side of a pivot (the fulcrum) and applying force further away on the other side, you create mechanical advantage. The further you are from the pivot, the less force you need to lift the heavy object. It is essentially trading distance for force: you have to push down for a longer distance, but you move the heavy weight with much less effort.

Try this at home

Use a wooden ruler and a pencil as a fulcrum to lift a heavy book. Move the pencil closer and further from the book to feel how the force required changes.

Background: NASA/ESA Hubble