Which best describes a second class lever?

The best description of a second class lever is that the applied force and resistance are on the same side of the fulcrum, with the resistance positioned closer to the fulcrum than the applied force. This setup allows for a mechanical advantage, meaning that a smaller force can be used to move a larger load.

In real-life examples like a wheelbarrow or a nutcracker, the load (resistance) is closer to the pivot point (fulcrum), while the effort (force) is applied further away. This arrangement means that you can lift a heavier load with less effort, making second class levers particularly efficient for certain tasks.

The other descriptions don't accurately fit the second class lever's characteristics. For instance, having the applied force and resistance on opposite sides of the fulcrum describes a first-class lever, and having the applied force closer to the fulcrum than the resistance (or both at the same distance) describes either a first-class or a third-class lever configuration, which focuses on different mechanical benefits.