What is an example of a second class lever?

A second class lever is characterized by the arrangement of the effort (force applied), the load (resistance), and the fulcrum. In this type of lever, the load is positioned between the fulcrum and the effort. The classic example of a second class lever is a wheelbarrow.

In a wheelbarrow, the wheel serves as the fulcrum, the load is located in the bucket of the wheelbarrow, and the effort is applied at the handles to lift the bucket. This arrangement allows for a mechanical advantage, enabling a person to lift heavier loads with less effort compared to other lever types.

The ability to lift heavy loads with efficiency is what defines the function of a second class lever, distinguishing it from the other lever types, such as first class levers where the fulcrum is in the middle, and third class levers where the effort is applied between the load and the fulcrum. Thus, the wheelbarrow exemplifies the mechanics and design of a second class lever effectively.