A shovel performs several different functions. One of these is that it gives mechanical advantage as a lever. When does it act like a lever? (1 point)

Question

A shovel performs several different functions. One of these is that it gives mechanical advantage as a lever. When does it act like a lever? (1 point)

A. when the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot

B. when you step up onto the shovel with both feet to use your body weight

C. when the soil is lifted with the dirt at the end of the shovel and a lifting force at the handle

D. when you push the shovel downward into the dirt and a small force allows you to push down into the dirt easily

I chose D.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. when the shovel is in the dirt and you push down against the end of the shovel, making it pivot. This is because the shovel acts as a lever when force is applied to one end (the handle) and it pivots around the fulcrum (the point where the blade is in the dirt). The closer the force is to the fulcrum, the easier it is to lift the load (in this case, dirt).