Question

A bottle opener is an example of
A. $$1^{st}$$ order lever
B. $$2^{nd}$$ order lever
C. $$3^{rd}$$ order lever
D. None

Answer 1

Hint: In the case of a bottle opener, the fulcrum is at the far end of the bottle opener and the output is at the near end of the bottle opener. We have to find which type of lever has this type of arrangement and accordingly answer the question.

Complete step by step answer:
We know, in simple machines, we come across different types of levers.
The type of lever varies from one another depending on where the force is applied, and on the basis of the location of fulcrum and load.
Fulcrum refers to the point, where the lever is supported while it turns.
In the case of a Bottle opener, the output force is between the fulcrum and the input force.
Option A is incorrect as, in the case of first-order levers, the fulcrum is located between the load and the effort, thus bottle opener does not belong to the first-class lever.
Option B is the correct choice, as in the case of the second class lever, the load is placed in between fulcrum and force. This exactly matches the scenario of a bottle opener, where the fulcrum is placed at one end, such that it can be supported. The cap that needs to be opened acts as the load, and is placed in between, and the force required to open the cap is applied from the other end.
Option C is incorrect because, in the case of third class levers, the force applied is located in between fulcrum and load. Thus, this is clearly not the scenario of the bottle opener.

Hence, option (B), the second class lever is correct for the bottle opener.

Note: In the case of a second-order lever, the closer the fulcrum is to the load, the easier it becomes to lift off the cap of the bottle.
Examples of first-class levers are- seesaw, crowbar and a pair of scissors, etc.
Examples of second-class levers are- Wheelbarrow, nutcracker, stapler and bottle opener, etc.
Examples of third-class levers are- baseball, tweezers, hammer, etc.