Biomechanics: Levers

Question 1

How many lever systems are there

Answer 1

3

Question 2

During which movement does the 1st class lever system occur?

Answer 2

Elbow extension

Question 3

At which part of the body do we see a 2nd class level system?

Answer 3

The ankle

Question 4

How is a fulcrum represented when drawing a lever system?

Answer 4

Triangle

Question 5

How is a resistance represented when drawing a lever system?

Answer 5

Rectangle

Question 6

How is effort represented when drawing a lever system?

Answer 6

Arrow

Question 7

In a first class lever system, what is drawn in the centre?

Answer 7

Triangle (fulcrum)

Question 8

In a second class lever system, what is drawn in the centre?

Answer 8

Rectangle (resistance)

Question 9

In a third class lever system, what is drawn in the centre?

Answer 9

Arrow (effort)

Question 10

Identify two advantages of a second class lever system

Answer 10

• The effort arm is longer than the resistance arm.
• This allows the performer to generate a lot of force with minimal effort.
• Beneficial when jumping as high as possible during a high jump.

Question 11

Identify 2 disadvantages of a second class lever system

Answer 11

• The resistance arm is shorter than the effort arm.
• This means there is a short range of movement.

Question 12

Identify two advantages of a third class lever system

Answer 12

• The resistance arm is longer than the effort arm.
• This allows for a large range of movement.
• This also allows movements to occur faster, which helps build momentum.
• This means that a long jumper can lift their legs higher during the flight phase and can also build more momentum within the run up.