What is the fulcrum of a lever?

• A. The point at which the lever rotates.
• B. The point where the load is attached.
• C. The point where the effort is applied.
• D. The center of gravity of the lever.

Answer: (D)

The fulcrum is the pivot point about which the lever rotates. It’s the support that allows the lever to turn when forces are applied on opposite sides. The center of gravity is the point where the lever’s weight can be considered to act, which is a separate concept and does not define the rotation point. The load attachment and the point of effort are locations where forces are applied, and they determine the torques about the fulcrum, not the fulcrum itself. For a seesaw or crowbar, the pivot under the lever is the fulcrum, and changing its position changes the mechanical advantage by altering the lever arms.