NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

Engaged gears always have the same what?

1. Rotation speed

2. Surface speed

3. Torque

4. Load capacity

The correct answer is: Surface speed

Engaged gears always have the same surface speed due to their interconnected nature. When gears are meshed, the rotational motion of one gear affects the adjacent gear. Surface speed refers to the linear speed at which the gear teeth engage with each other, and this speed must be consistent between the gears to avoid excessive wear or damage. For instance, if one gear is turning at a particular rotational speed, the gear that is meshed with it must turn at a corresponding speed that allows their surface speeds to match. This ensures that the teeth mesh efficiently without slipping, leading to smooth operation. Thus, the surface speed is a crucial aspect of gear mechanics, ensuring effective transfer of power within a system. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately define a fundamental relationship that always exists between engaged gears. Torque can vary between gears depending on their size and the load applied, rotation speed may differ based on gear ratios, and load capacity is determined by the design and material of the gears rather than being inherently the same.