What determines the order of a lever?

The order of a lever is determined by the arrangement of the fulcrum, resistance, and applied effort. In a first-order lever, the fulcrum is positioned between the applied effort and the resistance. In a second-order lever, the resistance is positioned between the fulcrum and the applied effort. In a third-order lever, the applied effort is between the fulcrum and the resistance. Understanding this relationship helps in identifying how levers work to amplify force or facilitate motion, which is crucial in various applications such as tools, machinery, and lifting devices.

The other choices do not accurately describe the fundamental principles that govern the classification of levers. Although length, weight, and position can affect how a lever operates, they do not define its order. Force, effort, and output could relate to the mechanics of levers but do not specifically address the arrangement of the fulcrum, resistance, and applied effort. Similarly, input, output, and distance might pertain to other mechanical principles but do not capture the defining characteristics of lever classification.