What is a pivot in a lever?

A pivot, also known as a fulcrum, is the point where a load is pivoted. This is a fixed hinge that is connected to the ground.

The fulcrum or pivot is a point that determines the force that will be required to move the lever. When the fulcrum is placed closer to the object that will need to be moved than the point of effort, it will require less force to move the lever and object. This is known as the law of the lever. The mechanical advantage of using a pivot is determined through an equation of the ratio of output force to input force. The output force is known as the load or resistance, and the input force is known as the effort.