Which statement defines the force arm?

• A. The distance between the resistance and the fulcrum
• B. The distance from the fulcrum to the load
• C. The distance between the applied force and the fulcrum
• D. The angle between the applied force and the lever

Answer: (C)

The force arm is the distance from the fulcrum to the point where you apply the effort on the lever. This distance, together with the applied force, determines the torque you generate about the fulcrum. A longer force arm means more torque for the same force, making it easier to lift the load. By contrast, the load or resistance arm is the distance from the fulcrum to the load, which affects the required effort but is a separate measure. If the force isn’t applied perpendicular to the lever, the effective lever (moment) arm is the perpendicular distance from the fulcrum to the force’s line of action, not just the straight-line distance.