Question

A shovel performs several different functions. One of these is that it gives mechanical advantage as a lever. When does it act like a lever? (1 point)
when you step up onto the shovel
• with both feet to use your body weight
when the soil is lifted with the dirt
• at the end of the shovel and a lifting force at the handle
when you push the shovel
downward into the dirt and a small force allows you to push down into the dirt easily
when the shovel is in the dirt and
• you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot

Answer 1

The shovel acts like a lever when **the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot**. This is the scenario where the shovel's handle acts as a lever, with the dirt serving as the fulcrum, allowing you to use a smaller force to lift the load of dirt at the end of the shovel.