What is the arrangement of a third-class lever?

In a third-class lever, the arrangement is characterized by the force being applied between the axis (or fulcrum) and the resistance (or load). This configuration allows for a mechanical advantage in terms of speed and range of motion rather than force. The effort or applied force needs to travel a greater distance compared to the load's movement, which allows for bigger movements of the load, making it efficient for activities that require swift motions and responsiveness, such as lifting an object quickly.

The distinguishing feature of the third-class lever is that the effort is situated closer to the fulcrum than the load, which is located at the opposite end. This lever type is commonly found in the human body, such as in the biceps brachii muscle during arm curls, where the elbow serves as the fulcrum, the weight of the arm is the resistance, and the muscle applies force in between the two.

This contrasts with the characteristics of other lever classes where different relationships between force, resistance, and the fulcrum define their mechanical movements.