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)

Question

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

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."

In this scenario, you are applying a force at one end of the lever (the handle of the shovel), while the pivot point is at the edge of the shovel that's inserted in the dirt, allowing you to lift the soil more easily with less effort due to the mechanical advantage provided by the lever system.