Which of the following best describes a third-class lever?

A third-class lever is characterized by the position of the effort force applied between the fulcrum and the resistance force. In this system, the fulcrum acts as the pivotal point around which the lever rotates, the effort is applied at a point closer to the fulcrum, and the load, or resistance, is further away from the fulcrum. This arrangement allows a greater distance over which the load moves compared to the distance the effort moves, which is why third-class levers are often used for speed and distance rather than force multiplication.

In the context of other descriptions, the second option describes a first-class lever, where the fulcrum is located at one end with the effort on the opposite end, and this setup balances the resistance located in between. The third option fits a second-class lever scenario, where the fulcrum is between the effort and the resistance, making it effective for lifting heavier loads. The fourth option suggests a first-class lever layout, where the effort is applied at one end, but it incorrectly places the fulcrum near the load, which is not characteristic of a third-class lever.