Gear Ratio Flashcard

Front

What is a gear ratio?

Back

The relationship between the rates at which two gears rotate.

Answer explanation

A gear ratio defines how the speeds of two interlocking gears relate to each other. It indicates how many times one gear turns compared to another, making it crucial for understanding mechanical advantage and speed in machines.

Front

How does a higher gear ratio affect torque?

Back

Increases torque

Answer explanation

A higher gear ratio increases torque because it allows the engine to apply more force to the wheels. This means that for every rotation of the engine, the wheels turn fewer times, amplifying the torque output.

Front

Which of the following best describes mechanical advantage? The speed at which a machine operates, The increase in force or torque achieved by using a machine, The ratio between the sizes of gears, The twisting force that causes rotation

Back

The increase in force or torque achieved by using a machine

Answer explanation

Mechanical advantage refers to the increase in force or torque that a machine provides, allowing a smaller input force to achieve a greater output force. This makes the correct choice the increase in force or torque achieved by using a machine.

Front

What happens to speed when you use a lower gear ratio?

Back

Speed decreases

Answer explanation

Using a lower gear ratio increases torque but decreases speed. This is because lower gears are designed for power and acceleration rather than high speed, making 'Speed decreases' the correct choice.

Front

Torque is best described as:

Back

A twisting force that causes rotation

Answer explanation

Torque is defined as a twisting force that causes rotation, making 'A twisting force that causes rotation' the correct choice. The other options describe different concepts unrelated to torque.

Front

Which of the following scenarios involves high torque and low speed? Driving a car on a highway, Riding a bicycle on a flat road, Climbing a hill on a bicycle, Spinning a top

Back

Climbing a hill on a bicycle

Answer explanation

Climbing a hill on a bicycle requires high torque to overcome gravity, resulting in low speed. In contrast, driving on a highway and riding on flat roads involve higher speeds with less torque needed.

Front

What is the primary benefit of using a mechanical advantage?

Back

It reduces the amount of effort needed.

Answer explanation

The primary benefit of using a mechanical advantage is that it reduces the amount of effort needed to perform tasks, making them easier to accomplish.

Front

In a gear system, if Gear A has 10 teeth and Gear B has 20 teeth, what is the gear ratio?

Back

1:2

Answer explanation

The gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on Gear B by the number of teeth on Gear A. Here, it is 20 teeth (Gear B) ÷ 10 teeth (Gear A) = 2. Thus, the gear ratio is 1:2.

Front

If Gear A (input) rotates faster than Gear B (output), what can be said about the torque of Gear B?

Back

Torque is higher on Gear B

Answer explanation

When Gear A rotates faster than Gear B, it implies that Gear B experiences a greater torque to maintain the output speed. Therefore, the torque is higher on Gear B.

Front

When would you want to use a low gear ratio in a car?

Back

When climbing a steep hill

Answer explanation

A low gear ratio provides more torque, which is essential for climbing steep hills. It allows the engine to deliver power more effectively, helping the vehicle to ascend without stalling.