Question

A nail cutter is an example of

• A. First-order lever
• B. Second-order lever
• C. Third-order lever
• D. A complicated lever

Answer 1

The correct option is D

A complicated lever

The explanation for the correct option:

Option(D): complicated lever

1. Nail cutter/nail clipper is an example of a compound lever.
2. The nail cutter is made of two levers. When the machine is made from two or more simple machines then that device is an example of a compound machine.
3. Nail cutter is made of two parts, this means the nail cutter's upper part works as a class 2 lever and the lower part acts as a class 3 lever. Thus, a nail cutter is an example of a compound lever.
   

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option(A): First-order lever

1. First-order lever: The fulcrum is situated between the load and the effort.
2. Ex: see-saw, scissors, etc.

Option(B): Second-order lever

1. Second-order lever: The load is situated between the fulcrum and the effort.
2. Ex: Wheelbarrow, Staplers, Doors or gates, Bottle openers, Nutcracker, Nail cutter, etc.

Option(C): Third-order lever

1. Third-order lever: The effort is situated between the fulcrum and the load.
2. Ex: Fishing rod, A broom, A baseball bat, A bow and arrow, Human jaw, sugar tongs, etc

Hence, the correct option: D)A complicated lever