ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which exercise exemplifies the use of a 2nd Class Lever?

1. Elbow flexion

2. Shoveling motion

3. Planting a seed

4. Using a wheelbarrow

The correct answer is: Using a wheelbarrow

The use of a second-class lever is characterized by the arrangement of the load, fulcrum, and effort in such a way that the load is situated between the fulcrum and the point where force is applied. In the case of using a wheelbarrow, the wheel acts as the fulcrum, the load placed in the wheelbarrow is the resistance, and the effort is applied at the handles. This configuration allows a smaller amount of force to lift a heavier load, which is a fundamental aspect of second-class levers. In contrast, elbow flexion exemplifies a third-class lever, where the effort is applied between the fulcrum (the elbow joint) and the load (the weight of the forearm and hand). The shoveling motion is more complex and does not fit neatly into the lever classifications, as it involves multiple joints and movements. Planting a seed typically involves more direct, vertical motion rather than leveraging mechanics effectively. Thus, using a wheelbarrow serves as the prime example of a second-class lever, effectively demonstrating its characteristics in real-world applications.