What does increasing the gear ratio in a mechanical system typically result in?

Increasing the gear ratio in a mechanical system typically results in lower output speed and higher torque. This is because a higher gear ratio means the input gear is making more revolutions for every revolution of the output gear. As a result, the system effectively trades off speed for torque.

In practical terms, when you increase the gear ratio, you are amplifying the torque that is transmitted from the motor or input shaft to the output shaft. This is particularly useful in applications where more force is needed to perform work, such as in lifting or moving heavy objects. The output speed decreases because the system is geared down: for every turn of the input, the output turns fewer times, thus producing greater torque at that lower speed.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in mechanical design, as it allows engineers to tailor a system's performance characteristics based on the requirements of specific applications.