While using a pair of shears to cut a thick cardboard sheet, a student places the cardboard deep inside…
While using a pair of shears to cut a thick cardboard sheet, a student places the cardboard deep inside close to the pivot (hinge) rather than near the tips of the blades. Why does this make cutting easier?
It increases the length of the effort arm relative to the load arm.
It shifts the position of effort between fulcrum and load.
It increases the weight of the cardboard.
It changes the lever from Class I to Class II.
Solution
Placing the object closer to the fulcrum reduces the load arm length, thereby increasing the ratio of effort arm to load arm and maximizing mechanical advantage.