Gear Wall
Exhibit Sign
The Science Behind It
On-site Science Activity
Exhibit Feedback
Exhibit Sign
To Do:
- Connect two identical gears, turn one of them, observe
what happens to the other gear. - Connect three identical gears, in a row, and repeat.
- Connect three identical gears, in a tight triangle shape,
and repeat. - Connect different-shaped gears, and repeat.
Explanation:
The notches in gears are called teeth. When teeth are properly aligned, gears will turn in opposite directions. If too many gears are in direct contact with each other, they will lockup and not move.
Application:
Gears are mechanisms that can do work. As they rotate, gears transfer power and motion from one location to another. An IndyCar’s gearbox, which is part of the transmission, has 19 individual gears!
The Science Behind It
On-site Science Activity
Exhibit Feedback
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