Meshing Gear Wheels · CAP 2010 #Q20

Physics · mechanics

Problem

Two gear wheels of the same thickness, but with one twice the diameter of the other, are mounted on parallel light axles far enough apart not to mesh the teeth of the wheels. The larger wheel is spun with angular velocity Ω and the wheels are then moved together so they mesh. What is the subsequent angular velocity of the larger wheel? a) Ω2\frac{Ω}{2}; b) Ω5\frac{Ω}{5}; c) 2Ω5\frac{2Ω}{5}; d) 4Ω5\frac{4Ω}{5}.

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