A right angle drive is one whose shafts lie_____ degrees from each other.

• A. 0
• B. 45
• C. 90
• D. 180

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that a right angle drive redirects power between shafts that are perpendicular to each other. In this setup, the input and output shafts form a 90-degree angle, which is what gives the drive its name and function—changing direction by a right angle.

If the shafts were at 0 degrees, they would lie on the same line with no change in direction. At 45 degrees, the motion would be transferred at an oblique angle, not a true right angle. At 180 degrees, the shafts would be opposite each other on the same line, again not forming a perpendicular relationship. So the defining feature of a right angle drive is the perpendicular (90-degree) relationship between the shafts.