Which statement about the differential is true?

Which statement about the differential is true?

• A. The differential allows drive wheels to rotate at the same speed when turning.
• B. The differential allows drive wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning.
• C. The differential is not involved in turning.
• D. The differential is only for electric vehicles.

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle turns, the wheels on the same axle must travel different distances—the outside wheel covers a longer arc than the inside wheel, so it must spin faster. The differential is the gear system that allows the two drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while still receiving torque from the engine. This keeps turning smooth by preventing tire scrubbing and drivetrain strain. In straight-line driving, the wheels ride at similar speeds, but tiny differences due to suspension and road bumps are still accommodated by the differential. It’s a standard feature in most vehicles, not limited to electric ones. So the true statement is that the differential lets the drive wheels rotate at different speeds when turning.

When a vehicle turns, the wheels on the same axle must travel different distances—the outside wheel covers a longer arc than the inside wheel, so it must spin faster. The differential is the gear system that allows the two drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while still receiving torque from the engine. This keeps turning smooth by preventing tire scrubbing and drivetrain strain. In straight-line driving, the wheels ride at similar speeds, but tiny differences due to suspension and road bumps are still accommodated by the differential. It’s a standard feature in most vehicles, not limited to electric ones. So the true statement is that the differential lets the drive wheels rotate at different speeds when turning.