What does the gear ratio indicate in a mechanical system?

The gear ratio in a mechanical system is a critical concept that indicates the relationship between the number of teeth on two gears that are in mesh with each other. Specifically, it tells us how many times one gear must turn to achieve one complete turn of another gear. This ratio directly affects speed and torque within the system.

When the gear ratio is greater than one, the output gear will turn slower than the input gear, but with increased torque. Conversely, when the gear ratio is less than one, the output will turn faster than the input but will have lower torque. This characteristic allows for the design of mechanical systems that can either prioritize speed or torque, based on the needs of the application.

Understanding how gear ratios manipulate speed and torque is essential for tasks such as selecting the proper gear system in machinery and optimizing mechanical performance in various applications.