GATE ME 2026 Set 1 — Question 17

MCQ+1 / -0.33EasySimple, Compound & Epicyclic TrainsCams, Gears & Gear TrainsTheory of Machines & Vibrations

Theory of Machines & Vibrations → Cams, Gears & Gear Trains → Simple, Compound & Epicyclic Trains

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

N_1, N_2, N_3, N_4

Correct answer (A) gear 4 Solution An idler gear is an intermediate gear in a gear train that does not affect the overall gear ratio but changes the direction of rotation or bridges a gap. In the given gear train, gear 1 is the driver and gear 5 is the driven. Gears 2 and 3 form a compound gear. Gear 4 is an intermediate gear between gear 3 and gear 5. Since gear 4 is a simple intermediate gear that bridges the gap and changes direction without being part of a compound set that changes the ratio between its input and output shafts, it is the idler gear. Thus, option (A) is correct. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) gear 4 Solution An idler gear is an intermediate gear in a gear train that does not affect the overall gear ratio but changes the direction of rotation or bridges a gap. In the given gear train, gear 1 is the driver and gear 5 is the driven. Gears 2 and 3 form a compound gear. Gear 4 is an intermediate gear between gear 3 and gear 5. Since gear 4 is a simple intermediate gear that bridges the gap and changes direction without being part of a compound set that changes the ratio between its input and output shafts, it is the idler gear. Thus, option (A) is correct.

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