GCSE PE Lever Systems

Introduction

• Video targeted towards GCSE PE exams.
• Reminder to subscribe and hit the notification bell.

Lever Systems Components

• Components of lever systems:
  • Fulcrum (Pivot)
  • Resistance (Load)
  • Effort
• F R E 1 2 3 mnemonic:
  • Fulcrum sits centrally in a 1st class lever.
  • Resistance sits centrally in a 2nd class lever.
  • Effort sits centrally in a 3rd class lever.

Drawing Lever Systems

• Representations:
  • Arrow for Effort
  • Square for Resistance
  • Triangle for Fulcrum

First Class Lever System

• Examples:
  1. Movement of the neck (forward/backward)
     • Fulcrum: Joint behind jawbone
     • Effort: Neck muscles
     • Resistance: Weight of the head
  2. Tricep extension/Football throw
     • Fulcrum: Elbow
     • Effort: Tricep muscle
     • Resistance: Dumbbell/Football

Second Class Lever System

• Examples:
  1. Calf raise
  2. Starting position in 100m sprint
  3. Running
  • Fulcrum: Ball of the foot (crease in trainer)
  • Effort: Gastrocnemius (muscle in lower leg)
  • Resistance: Body weight

Third Class Lever System

• Example: Bicep curl
  • Effort: Bicep muscle
  • Fulcrum: Elbow
  • Resistance: Dumbbell

Mechanical Advantage

• Second Class Lever System:
  • Has a mechanical advantage
  • Short resistance arm, long effort arm
  • Minimal input force needed, great output force
  • Example: Easy calf raise

Mechanical Disadvantage

• Third Class Lever System:
  • Has a mechanical disadvantage
  • Short effort arm, long resistance arm

Conclusion

• Encouragement for exams.
• Invitation to ask questions in the comments.
• Thank you for watching and take care.