5 Biomechanical principles and levers

Question 1

Acronym for levers

Answer 1

123FLE

Question 2

First class levers

Answer 2

The fulcrum lies between the load and the effort. eg a tricep extension

Question 3

Second class levers

Answer 3

The load lies between the resistance and the effort. eg a calf raise and are also always a mechanical advantage

Question 4

Third class levers

Answer 4

The effort lies between the fulcrum and the load. eg bicep flexion which is a mechanical disadvantage

Question 5

Mechanical advantage

Answer 5

Where the effort arm is longer than the load arm

Question 6

Mechanical disadvantage

Answer 6

Where the load arm is longer than the effort arm

Question 7

Mechanical advantages and disadvantages of a second class lever

Answer 7

Can generate much larger forces

But slow with a limited range of motion

Question 8

Mechanical advantages and disadvantages of a first and third class lever

Answer 8

Large range of motion and any resistance can be moved quickly

But can’t apply much force to move an object

Question 9

Effort arm

Answer 9

The distance from the effort to the fulcrum

Question 10

Load arm

Answer 10

The distance from the load to the fulcrum

Question 11

Inertia

Answer 11

The resistance an object has to a change in its state of motion

Question 12

Newton’s first law of inertia

Answer 12

A force is required to change the state of motion

This force often comes from muscles and the greater the force the faster it happens

Performer continues at constant speed until another force is applied

Question 13

Newton’s second law of acceleration

Answer 13

The greater the mass of an object the greater the amount of force is needed to accelerate it

This mass is constant and the force comes from the muscles

Force = mass x acceleration (f=ma not accepted in mark schemes)

Question 14

Newton’s third law of motion

Answer 14

For every action [force] there is an equal and opposite reaction