How do gears transmit power in a mechanical system?

Gears transmit power in a mechanical system by interlocking and transferring power through rotational motion. Each gear has teeth that mesh with the teeth of another gear, which allows them to rotate together in a synchronized manner. When one gear turns, it drives the adjacent gear to turn as well, effectively transferring torque and motion throughout the system.

This interlocking nature of gears is crucial for converting the rotational motion from a motor or an external force into usable mechanical power, enabling various functions in machinery, from simple mechanical systems like clocks to complex systems in automotive and industrial applications. This action is efficient and allows for the manipulation of speed and torque within the system, further enhancing the mechanical advantage.

The other options do not accurately describe how gears function. While friction does occur in all mechanical systems, it is not the primary mechanism by which gears operate. Generating electrical energy is unrelated to the primary function of gears, which are mechanical devices. Similarly, absorbing and slowly releasing energy pertains more to systems like capacitors rather than the direct mechanical operation of gears.