A fulcrum is the point on which a lever pivots. It is essential in understanding how levers work, as it allows a small force applied at one end to lift a heavier load at the other end. For example, when using a seesaw, the center point where it balances is the fulcrum, enabling one person to lift another by shifting their weight.
In everyday life, we encounter fulcrums in various tools and machines. A pair of scissors uses the fulcrum at the hinge to cut through materials with ease. Similarly, a crowbar relies on its fulcrum to help lift heavy objects, demonstrating the power of leverage in simple tasks.