Final answer:
The gear attached to a power source like an engine that provides effort is called the drive gear. It initiates motion and transfers energy within a mechanical system, working in conjunction with other components to improve efficiency and provide mechanical advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gear that provides the effort, often attached to an engine or similar power source, is known as the drive gear. In mechanical systems involving gears such as bicycles, cars, or clocks, the drive gear is responsible for initiating motion. It is the primary source of input force that transfers energy to the rest of the mechanism, often engaging with a driven gear to effectuate movement.
In the case of an internal combustion engine, the drive gear can be connected to the crankshaft which converts the linear motion of pistons into rotational force. This rotational force is then used to drive other components or systems. In bicycles, the pedal crank acts as the drive gear, applying effort force that is then multiplied through the chain and rotated wheels, leveraging the principles of mechanical advantage and efficiency. This interconnectedness showcases how simple machines work together to augment forces, reduce human effort, and increase overall efficiency in mechanical systems.