Question

Choose the first-order lever from the following options.

• A. Lemon squeezer
• B. Opening or closing of a door
• C. Handle of a simple hand pump
• D. Cutting of bread with a bread knife.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Handle of a simple hand pump

Step 1: Explanation of the correct option

In the case of option C,

1. The first-order lever is the basic form of the lever where the fulcrum is located between the applied force and weight.
2. Force-fulcrum-weight is the correct order by which it is represented.
3. Since the fulcrum of a handle of a simple hand pump lies between the force and effort. So this is an example of a first-order lever.

Step 2: Explanation for the incorrect options

In the case of option A,

1. The Lemon squeezer is the second-order lever.
2. In a second-order lever, the load or weight lies in between the force and fulcrum.

In the case of option B,

1. The opening or closing of a door is an example of a second-order lever since it follows the fulcrum-load-weight order.
2. The pivot or hinge on a door is at one end, the door's weight is in the middle, and the effort is applied at the other.

In the case of option D,

1. The cutting of bread with a knife is an example of a third-order lever.
2. The fulcrum is at one end of a third-order lever, the weight is at the other, and the effort is in the middle.
3. To shift the load with this type of lever, more effort is required.

Hence, option C is the correct option.