Levers Quick Check

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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)
Responses

when you step up onto the shovel with both feet to use your body weight
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 the soil is lifted with the dirt at the end of the shovel and a lifting force at the handle

when the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot
when the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot

when you push the shovel downward into the dirt and a small force allows you to push down into the dirt easily

1 answer

The shovel acts like a lever primarily when the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot. This is because the shovel acts as a first-class lever, where the pivot point (fulcrum) is at the end of the shovel, allowing you to apply a downward force on the handle to lift the dirt at the end.