For a third class lever, where is the force applied?

In a third class lever, the force is applied between the axis (or fulcrum) and the resistance (or load). This configuration allows the lever to magnify the distance and speed of the load being moved, even though it does not provide a mechanical advantage in terms of force.

In practice, this means that when an individual applies a force to lift or move an object, the effort is exerted between the point where the lever pivots (the fulcrum) and the weight that is being lifted. For example, when using a pair of tweezers, your fingers apply force in the middle while the tips grasp the resistance.

This configuration contrasts with other types of levers. In a first-class lever, the force is located on one side of the fulcrum with the resistance on the opposite side, while in a second-class lever, the resistance is between the fulcrum and the force. The arrangement of a third-class lever serves specific functional purposes in human movements, allowing for increased range of motion and speed but requiring more effort to lift a given load compared to the other classes of levers.