What is the definition of a second-class lever?

A second-class lever is defined as a lever where the load is positioned between the fulcrum and the effort, which effectively provides a mechanical advantage. This type of lever allows the user to lift a heavier load than the effort they apply, facilitating the lifting of weights with less force.

When it comes to practical applications, consider the example of a wheelbarrow. In this scenario, the load (what you're carrying in the wheelbarrow) is situated between the wheel (the fulcrum) and the person lifting the handles (the effort). The arrangement lets the person lift the load with less effort than if they had to lift it directly, leveraging the mechanical advantage provided by the lever's design.

While the other options describe different configurations of levers, they do not correctly capture the essence of a second-class lever. For instance, first-class levers have the fulcrum between the load and effort, while third-class levers have the effort between the load and fulcrum. Hence, understanding the load being positioned between the fulcrum and effort is essential to defining a second-class lever accurately.