What do you call the point in a lever where it balances?

The term used to describe the point in a lever where it balances is "fulcrum." In the context of levers, the fulcrum is the pivotal point around which the lever rotates. It is essential for the functioning of the lever, as it allows the lever to gain mechanical advantage, enabling a smaller force applied at one end to move a heavier load at the other end. This concept is fundamental to understanding how levers operate, whether in simple machines or more complex mechanical systems.

The other terms listed do not specifically refer to the balancing point of a lever. The pivot refers more generally to a point of rotation but can apply to various mechanical arrangements, not exclusively to levers. The term anchor suggests a fixed point of attachment, which is not applicable when discussing the balance of a lever. Lastly, axis typically refers to an imaginary line about which rotation occurs and is more abstract than the tangible point of balance represented by the fulcrum.