Question

A pair of pliers and a pair of scissors both are levers. Identify which is a speed multiplier in them.

Answer 1

Eventhough a pair of pliers and a pair of scissors are both levers, only scissors is a speed multiplier in the two because the blades of a scissors are longer than the handles which result in a greater movement of the load for a smaller movement of the effort $-$ a characteristic of speed multipliers.

On the other hand, the blades or holders in a pair of pliers are not longer than the handles. Thus, it is not a speed multiplier as there is no greater movement of the load for a corresponding movement of the effort.