Which of the following statements is true about the material used to manufacture gears?

Steel is a common choice for manufacturing gears largely due to its exceptional strength and durability. Gears must withstand significant stress and wear during operation, and steel provides the necessary mechanical properties to handle these demands. Its tensile strength and hardness make it suitable for high-load applications, ensuring that gears maintain their shape and function over time without deforming or breaking.

Additionally, steel can be heat-treated to enhance its properties, further increasing its strength and wear resistance. These characteristics make steel a reliable and widely used material in gear production, especially in industrial and automotive applications where performance and longevity are paramount.

The other options present limitations or inaccuracies about material choices for gears. For instance, rubber does not offer the strength or rigidity needed for gears under heavy load, while lightweight materials, although beneficial in some applications, are not always suitable for the high-stress environments that gears often face. Wood, although historically used for gears, does not offer the level of durability compared to modern materials like steel, particularly in applications requiring precision and durability.