When I use a lever, I can lift heavier stuff. Where exactly does that additional force come from? Was it inside me all the time, or does it come from somewhere outside of me?

Question

When I use a lever, I can lift heavier stuff. Where exactly does that additional force come from? Was it inside me all the time, or does it come from somewhere outside of me?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Work is “force” multiplied by “distance”. One end of the lever moves a large distance but requires little force. The other end of the lever applies a large force but moves little distance. So the total work on either end is the same.