What is referred to as a toothed wheel that transmits drive when linked with others?

A toothed wheel that transmits drive when linked with others is known as a gear. Gears are fundamental mechanical components that interact with each other to transmit torque and rotational motion throughout a machine or mechanical system. They operate through the engagement of their teeth, allowing for controlled transfer of motion and force between connected gears.

This transmission of motion enables various mechanical tasks, such as changing the speed, torque, or direction of a rotating shaft. Gears come in many types, including spur gears, bevel gears, and planetary gears, each serving specific purposes within a mechanical assembly.

The other components listed—pulley, sprocket, and cam—function differently: a pulley typically uses belts or cords for motion transmission, a sprocket works with chains to convey movement, and a cam converts rotary motion to linear motion. Each has unique applications, but they do not fit the definition of a toothed wheel that collaborates with other toothed components to transmit drive in the same manner as gears.