What is the primary function of a lever?

The primary function of a lever is to lift heavy objects with less effort. A lever consists of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point known as the fulcrum. When force is applied to one end of the lever, it can lift a load at the other end. This mechanical advantage allows a smaller effort to lift a heavier object, making it easier for us to perform tasks that might otherwise require more strength.

While changing the direction of motion is a characteristic of levers, it is not the main purpose. Levers can indeed change the direction of the applied force, such as pulling down on one side to lift an object on the other side, but their fundamental purpose is to facilitate lifting or moving loads with less exertion. Storing energy and converting rotational motion are functions associated with different types of machines and do not accurately describe the role of a lever.