ExpertMedium1 markShort Answer
AQA GCSE · Question 16.2 · The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport
Figure 3 shows a swimmer in two different positions (A and B) as they perform a dive.
Use Figure 3 to help you answer Question 16.2.
Identify the class of lever used at the ankle as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 shows a swimmer in two different positions (A and B) as they perform a dive.
Use Figure 3 to help you answer Question 16.2.
Identify the class of lever used at the ankle as shown in Figure 3.
How to approach this question
Analyse the lever system at the ankle during plantar flexion (pointing the toes), as when pushing off a block. Identify the positions of the Fulcrum, Load, and Effort. Use the mnemonic 'FLE 123' (Fulcrum in middle = 1st class, Load in middle = 2nd class, Effort in middle = 3rd class) to determine the class of lever.
Full Answer
Second class lever
When a swimmer pushes off the diving block, they perform plantar flexion at the ankle. This action uses a second-class lever system:
- **Fulcrum:** The ball of the foot (the point of rotation).
- **Load (or Resistance):** The body's weight acting down through the ankle.
- **Effort:** The force produced by the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) pulling upwards on the heel via the Achilles tendon.
In a second-class lever, the load is between the fulcrum and the effort (Fulcrum -> Load -> Effort). Therefore, the ankle acts as a second-class lever during this movement.
Common mistakes
Confusing the order of fulcrum, load, and effort, leading to an incorrect classification (often first or third class).
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