Which of the following terms refers to the maximum load-carrying capacity of gears?

The term that refers to the maximum load-carrying capacity of gears is load capacity. Load capacity encompasses the total amount of force or load that a gear can handle without failing or experiencing significant deformation. This capacity is influenced by various factors, including material properties, the geometry of the teeth, lubrication, and the operating conditions.

When considering gears, it is important to ensure that their load capacity is sufficient for the intended application to avoid premature wear or failure. Load capacity takes into account both static and dynamic loads—static loads occur when the gear is stationary, while dynamic loads are present during operation when the gears are in motion and experiencing changing forces.

In contrast, bending strength measures a material's ability to withstand bending or flexural stress, while shear strength pertains to a material's ability to resist shear forces that may cause it to slide apart. Torque capacity relates to the amount of torque a gear can transmit before it fails. Therefore, load capacity serves as a broader and more encompassing term that directly reflects the maximum load a gear can bear in practical applications.