When referring to gears, which parameter is crucial for power transmission?

In the context of gears and power transmission, efficiency is a critical parameter because it directly affects how effectively power is transmitted from one gear to another. Efficiency takes into account losses due to friction, wear, and other factors that can reduce the amount of useful power transmitted through the gear system.

When gears are engaged, they convert the rotational motion of one gear into the rotational motion of another. If the efficiency is high, it means that a larger proportion of the input power is effectively being utilized to do work. Conversely, lower efficiency suggests significant energy losses, which can lead to overheating and reduced performance.

While diameter, length, and weight are related to the physical dimensions and robustness of the gears, efficiency specifically addresses how well the gears perform their function of transferring power. Therefore, understanding and optimizing efficiency is essential in gear design to ensure effective power transmission in mechanical systems.