What would be the rpm of a rear wheel sprocket with 15 teeth if the pedals with a 48-tooth sprocket are turning at 150 rpm?

To determine the rpm of the rear wheel sprocket, we apply the concept of gear ratio. The gear ratio is calculated by comparing the number of teeth on the driving sprocket (the pedals) to the number of teeth on the driven sprocket (the rear wheel), and it indicates how many times the rear sprocket will rotate for each full rotation of the pedal sprocket.

In this scenario, the pedals are equipped with a 48-tooth sprocket turning at 150 rpm, while the rear wheel sprocket has 15 teeth. The gear ratio can be expressed as follows:

Gear Ratio = (Teeth on Pedal Sprocket) / (Teeth on Rear Wheel Sprocket) = 48 / 15.

Next, to find the rpm of the rear wheel sprocket, you manipulate the formula based on the gear ratio:

Rear Wheel Sprocket RPM = Pedal Sprocket RPM × (Teeth on Pedal Sprocket / Teeth on Rear Wheel Sprocket).

Plugging in the values:

Rear Wheel Sprocket RPM = 150 rpm × (48 / 15).

Calculating that gives:

Rear Wheel Sprocket RPM = 150 rpm × 3.2 = 480