To lift a heavy load with a lever using the least effort, where should you apply the force, and where should the fulcrum be?

To minimize effort with a lever: apply the force FAR from the fulcrum (long effort arm) and place the fulcrum CLOSE to the load (short load arm). ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension tests lever mechanical advantage. MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE = effort arm length ÷ load arm length. A longer effort arm and shorter load arm give greater mechanical advantage (less force needed), but the effort must move a greater distance. This is why a long crowbar with the fulcrum near the load lifts heavy objects easily. The effort-arm/load-arm relationship is commonly tested.