Which is the same class of lever as a broom?
A.
A boat oar.
B.
A baseball bat.
C.
A wheelbarrow.
D.
A pair of scissors.
A. A boat oar.
The same class of lever as a broom is option C - a wheelbarrow.
To determine the same class of lever as a broom, we need to understand the different classes of levers and the characteristics associated with each.
Levers are simple machines that consist of a rigid bar or plank that rotates around a fixed point called a fulcrum. There are three classes of levers, defined by the location of the force, the fulcrum, and the load relative to one another.
Class 1 lever: In this class of lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort or force and the load. The load and the effort are on opposite sides of the fulcrum.
Class 2 lever: In this class of lever, the load is located between the fulcrum and the effort or force. The effort and the fulcrum are on opposite sides of the load.
Class 3 lever: In this class of lever, the effort or force is located between the fulcrum and the load. The load and the fulcrum are on opposite sides of the effort.
Now let's analyze the given options:
A. A boat oar: A boat oar typically functions as a class 1 lever since the rower applies the force (effort) at one end, the oar's handle, while the load is the resistance of the water acting on the blade. The fulcrum is where the oar is connected to the boat.
B. A baseball bat: A baseball bat is designed to be swung by applying force (effort) at one end, while the ball represents the load. The fulcrum is where the bat is held by the batter's hands. This makes it a class 3 lever.
C. A wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow is an example of a class 2 lever. The load, which is the weight being carried, is placed between the fulcrum (the wheel) and the force (effort) applied by the person pushing or lifting the handles.
D. A pair of scissors: Scissors are a classic example of a class 1 lever. The fulcrum is located at the pivot point where the two blades meet. The effort is applied at the handles to cut through the load, which is the material being cut.
Considering the characteristics of the different classes of levers, we can conclude that the same class of lever as a broom is option A, a boat oar. Both a broom and a boat oar belong to the class 1 lever, where the fulcrum is located between the effort and the load.