a machine is said to be a third class lever when the

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to identify what defines a third class lever. This depends on the arrangement of three parts: the fulcrum (pivot), the effort (force applied), and the load (resistance).

Step 2: The concept – the three classes of levers

| Class | Middle position | Examples | |---|---|---| | First class | Fulcrum between effort and load | Seesaw, scissors, crowbar (pivoted), pliers | | Second class | Load between fulcrum and effort | Wheelbarrow, nutcracker, bottle opener | | Third class | Effort between fulcrum and load | Fishing rod, forearm (holding a weight), tweezers, broom |

Step 3: Apply it

• Option A (load in the middle) describes a second class lever.
• Option B (fulcrum in the middle) describes a first class lever.
• Option C (effort in the middle) describes a third class lever. ✔
• Option D is not a standard lever classification.

Step 4: Why it matters In a third class lever, the effort arm is shorter than the load arm. So the mechanical advantage is less than 1 (the effort is greater than the load), but the load moves through a larger distance, giving a gain in speed and range of motion.

Answer: C. effort is between the fulcrum and load

Exam tip: Remember the middle element with this idea: 1-2-3 = F-L-E. The middle item is Fulcrum for 1st class, Load for 2nd class, and Effort for 3rd class.