What role does the effort play in a third-class lever?

In a third-class lever, the effort is indeed situated between the load and the fulcrum. This configuration allows for greater movement of the load compared to the distance the effort is applied. When you apply effort at a position closer to the fulcrum, it means you need to exert more force to lift a heavier load on the opposite side, which is situated further from the fulcrum. This type of lever is commonly seen in human limbs, such as when you use your bicep to lift a weight; your elbow acts as the fulcrum, your bicep exerts the effort, and the weight you are lifting is the load.

This spatial arrangement of effort, load, and fulcrum is what characterizes a third-class lever and defines how it functions, making it essential for understanding the mechanics involved in this type of lever system.