Work done by levers

In this example the fulcrum is located in the middle of the lever. That means, the length of the effort-side is equal to that of the work-side.

Here we need to apply a 50 lb force on the left hand side to lift a weight of 50 lb on the right hand side. In this case the force is not magnified, but its direction is changed.

Let’s examine the work done by the lever. Click on the “Apply Force” button.

Work done by the input force:

Effort x D1 ft-lb

Work done by the lever:

Force generated by the lever x D2

In this case D1 is equal to D2.

To comply with the law of conservation of energy, work done by the input effort must be equal to the work done by the lever.