Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

Which component is crucial for converting rotary motion into linear motion?

1. A gear.

2. A belt.

3. A piston.

4. A coupling.

The correct answer is: A piston.

The component that is crucial for converting rotary motion into linear motion is the piston. In various mechanical systems, particularly in engines and pneumatic applications, pistons are designed to move linearly as a result of being pushed by the expanding gases from combustion or the pressure from a fluid. When the rotational motion of a crankshaft or similar component is applied, it can push the piston in a straight line, thereby converting the rotary action into linear motion effectively. Understanding the role of pistons in mechanisms like internal combustion engines or hydraulic systems highlights their critical function in achieving linear movement from an initial rotary force. This conversion is essential for generating power and translating it into work, making the piston integral to many mechanical operations.