Connected gears of different numbers of teeth are used together to change the rotational speed and torque of the input force. If the smaller gear drives the larger gear, the speed of rotation will be reduced and the torque will increase. If the larger gear drives the smaller gear, the speed of rotation will increase and the torque will be reduced.

The wedge is a moving inclined plane that is used to lift, hold, or break apart an object. A wedge converts force applied to its blunt end into force perpendicular to its inclined surface. In contrast to a stationary plane where force is applied to the object being moved, with a wedge the object is stationary and the force is being applied to the plane. Examples of a wedge include knives and chisels.

According to Boyle's Law, pressure and volume are inversely proportional:

\( \frac{P_1}{P_2} \) = \( \frac{V_2}{V_1} \)

In this problem, V₂ = 20 ft.³, V₁ = 45 ft.³ and P₁ = 9.0 psi. Solving for P₂:

P₂ = \( \frac{P_1}{\frac{V_2}{V_1}} \) = \( \frac{9.0 psi}{\frac{20 ft.^3}{45 ft.^3}} \) = 20.3 psi

A wheel and axle uses two different diameter wheels mounted to a connecting axle. Force is applied to the larger wheel and large movements of this wheel result in small movements in the smaller wheel. Because a larger movement distance is being translated to a smaller distance, force is increased with a mechanical advantage equal to the ratio of the diameters of the wheels. An example of a wheel and axle is the steering wheel of a car.

To balance this lever the torques on each side of the fulcrum must be equal. Torque is weight x distance from the fulcrum so the equation for equilibrium is:

R_ad_a = R_bd_b

Solving for d_b, our missing value, and plugging in our variables yields:

d_b = \( \frac{R_ad_a}{R_b} \) = \( \frac{45 lbs. \times 1 ft.}{50 lbs.} \) = \( \frac{45 ft⋅lb}{50 lbs.} \) = 0.9 ft.