If a lever problem asks you to find a way to "lift" something, does that mean to balance the object(s), or to tilt it past the equilibrium?
When a lever problem asks you to "lift" something, it typically means to tilt the lever past the equilibrium position. To understand this concept better, let's go over the basics of levers.
A lever consists of a rigid rod or plank that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum. The lever has two arms: the effort arm (where the force is applied) and the load arm (where the object to be moved or lifted is located). Depending on the relative lengths of the two arms and the position of the fulcrum, levers can be classified into three types: first-class, second-class, and third-class levers.
In the case of lifting something, it usually involves a second-class or a third-class lever. Second-class levers have the fulcrum at one end, the load at the other end, and the effort applied in between. Third-class levers have the fulcrum at one end, the effort applied at the other end, and the load in between.
If you are asked to lift an object using a lever, you will need to apply an effort force (a force applied by you) at a specific point on the lever to overcome the weight of the load. By exerting force at a distance from the fulcrum, you will create a torque that can effectively tilt the lever and lift the object.
To determine the exact position to apply the effort force, you will need to consider the lever's length and the weight distribution of the load. The idea is to find the right balance between the effort and load arms, creating a mechanical advantage that allows you to lift the object with less force.
So, in summary, when a lever problem asks you to "lift" something, it generally means to tilt the lever beyond the equilibrium position by applying an effort force in order to raise the load.