Explain what happens to gear B when the child applies the force to gear A.
How to approach this question
1. Determine the direction of rotation for gear A caused by the applied force.
2. Consider how the teeth of gear A will push on the teeth of gear B.
3. State the direction of rotation for gear B.
Full Answer
The force applied to gear A creates an anti-clockwise moment, causing gear A to rotate anti-clockwise. The teeth of gear A mesh with the teeth of gear B. As gear A rotates anti-clockwise, its teeth push the teeth of gear B, causing gear B to rotate. Because they are interlocked, gear B must rotate in the opposite direction to gear A. Therefore, gear B rotates clockwise.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating that gear B rotates in the same direction as gear A.\n✗ Not specifying the direction of rotation.
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