The bigger diameter gears on the rear wheel of a multi-speed bike allow the rider to
A) increase the moment of inertia of the wheel.
B) exert more force on the wheel.
C) exert more torque on the wheel.
D) decrease the moment of inertia of the wheel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bigger diameter gears on the rear wheel of a multi-speed bike allow the rider to exert more torque on the wheel. This is because torque is directly proportional to the radius of the wheel. As the diameter of the gear increases, so does its radius, and therefore the rider can apply more torque to move the bike forward.

The Bigger Diameter Gears on the Rear Wheel of a Multi-Speed