How do you determine the speed ratio of chain sprockets?

To determine the speed ratio of chain sprockets, the correct approach is to divide the number of teeth on the driver sprocket by the number of teeth on the driven sprocket. This relationship is essential for understanding how rotational speeds are transmitted through the chain mechanism.

In the context of mechanical systems, the driver sprocket is the one that provides the input motion, while the driven sprocket receives that motion. The speed at which the driven sprocket turns is influenced by the size (the number of teeth) of both sprockets. By calculating the ratio of the driver to the driven sprocket, you effectively determine how many times the driver sprocket must rotate to make the driven sprocket rotate once.

For instance, if the driver sprocket has 10 teeth and the driven sprocket has 20 teeth, the speed ratio would be 10 / 20 = 0.5. This indicates that for every full rotation of the driver, the driven sprocket completes half a rotation. Understanding this ratio is crucial in designing and analyzing mechanical systems, ensuring the desired speed and torque characteristics are achieved.