Industrial Maintenance Technician Practice Test

A gear that is used to transmit power in mechanical systems is commonly referred to as a pinion. Gears, including pinions, play a crucial role in transferring motion and force between different components in a machine.

In mechanical systems, a pinion gear usually engages with a larger gear to create torque and facilitate rotational movement. This interaction is essential for a wide range of applications, from automotive to manufacturing equipment. The pinion's teeth mesh with those of another gear, effectively changing the speed and torque output as needed for the specific mechanics of the system.

The other options mentioned serve different functions. A pulley is primarily used to lift loads and change the direction of force, while a sheave is a wheel with a grooved rim designed to work with ropes or belts. A belt is a flexible loop used in conjunction with pulleys to transmit power. Each of these components is important in mechanical systems, but they do not provide the same power transmission function that gears, particularly pinions, do. This is why pinion is the correct answer in the context of power transmission.