Why do second-order levers have a mechanical advantage?

The effort arm is always longer than the resistance arm. A small effort can therefore move a large load.

Why do third-order levers have a mechanical disadvantage?

The effort arm is always shorter than the resistance arm. A large effort is needed to move a relatively small load.

What is the benefit of a third-order lever despite its mechanical disadvantage?

A small shortening of the muscle moves the end of the limb through a large range. The end of the lever moves quickly, which suits throwing and kicking.

WJEC A-Level Physical Education 601-8485-1

Performance Analysis and Fitness Testing

Topic overview The coaching process and approaches to performance analysis Video, notational and time-motion analysis Laboratory and field-based fitness testing Validity, reliability and interpreting test results

Levers and Movement Analysis

Topic overview The three orders of lever in the body Mechanical advantage and lever length Planes and axes of rotation Joint movement patterns in sporting actions

Joints and the Musculo-Skeletal System

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Components of Fitness and Methods of Training

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Energy Systems and Principles of Training

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Fatigue, Recovery and Rehabilitation

Topic overview Warm-up and cool-down Causes of fatigue, OBLA and DOMS EPOC and its alactic and lactacid components The fate of lactic acid and speeding up recovery Rehabilitation of minor injuries

Diet, Nutrition and Hydration

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Personality

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Stress, Arousal and Anxiety

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Motivation and Self-Efficacy

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Short-Term Responses to Exercise

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Carbohydrate Loading and Supplements

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Biomechanical Principles

Topic overview Newton's laws of motion in sport Momentum, impact and impulse Stability, equilibrium and friction

Linear and Angular Motion

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Attitudes

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Aggression

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Group Dynamics and Leadership

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Attribution Theory

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Mass Participation and Excellence

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Levers and Movement Analysis

Mechanical advantage and lever length

3 things to know
AS Unit 1

Overview

Effort arm and resistance arm, calculating mechanical advantage with worked ankle and elbow examples, the trade-offs of second- and third-order levers, lever length and speed, the tennis racket and the weightlifter.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Evaluation

How is mechanical advantage calculated, and why do second-order levers always have one?

Key term

What is the effort arm of a lever?

Key term

What is the resistance arm of a lever?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the effort arm of a lever?
Model answer
The effort arm is the distance from the pivot to the point where the effort acts. A longer effort arm means less effort is needed.
2
What is the resistance arm of a lever?
Model answer
The resistance arm is the distance from the pivot to the load. A longer resistance arm means more effort is needed to move the load.
3
How is mechanical advantage calculated?
Model answer
Mechanical advantage equals the effort arm divided by the resistance arm. A value above 1 means the lever magnifies the effort.
4
Why do second-order levers have a mechanical advantage?
Model answer
The effort arm is always longer than the resistance arm. A small effort can therefore move a large load.
5
Why do third-order levers have a mechanical disadvantage?
Model answer
The effort arm is always shorter than the resistance arm. A large effort is needed to move a relatively small load.
6
What is the benefit of a third-order lever despite its mechanical disadvantage?
Model answer
A small shortening of the muscle moves the end of the limb through a large range. The end of the lever moves quickly, which suits throwing and kicking.

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Performance Analysis and Fitness Testing

Levers and Movement Analysis

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Components of Fitness and Methods of Training

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Mechanical advantage and lever length

Overview

What you need to know

How is mechanical advantage calculated, and why do second-order levers always have one?

What is the effort arm of a lever?

What is the resistance arm of a lever?

Questions from this subtopic

What is the effort arm of a lever?

What is the resistance arm of a lever?

How is mechanical advantage calculated?

Why do second-order levers have a mechanical advantage?

Why do third-order levers have a mechanical disadvantage?

What is the benefit of a third-order lever despite its mechanical disadvantage?

Other ways to work this

What is inside Levo

The 3-step method, run for you

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Build It gets the exam shape right

Test It catches misconceptions

Brain Breaks between sessions

Every question in Levers and Movement Analysis, on a schedule.