Which component is specifically designed to reduce friction and wear on gears?

• A. Ball Bearings
• B. Piston Rings
• C. Seals
• D. Bushings

Answer: (A)

Ball bearings reduce friction and wear in rotating gear assemblies by providing rolling contact between the moving parts. The rolling balls between the inner and outer races convert sliding friction into rolling friction, which greatly lowers resistance, heat, and wear while allowing smoother rotation and higher speeds. This makes them ideal for supporting gear shafts and maintaining alignment under load. Piston rings, seals, and bushings serve different purposes: piston rings seal the combustion chamber and control oil; seals prevent leaks; bushings provide plain, sliding support but don’t offer the same rolling-contact advantage as ball bearings in gear applications.