What type of gearing system connects the steering wheel to the vehicle's wheels?

The rack and pinion system is the correct answer because it is specifically designed to convert the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the vehicle's wheels. In this system, the pinion acts as a gear that meshes with a straight bar known as the rack. As the steering wheel is turned, the pinion rotates and moves the rack side to side, which in turn pivots the vehicle's wheels.

This type of gearing is widely used in automobiles for its effectiveness in providing precise steering control and feedback to the driver. It allows for a direct, mechanical link between the driver's input and the vehicle's orientation, promoting improved handling and responsiveness.

In contrast, spur gear systems are typically used in applications where rotary motion is transmitted between parallel shafts but do not connect to wheels directly. Belt drive systems are more common in situations requiring the transfer of power over a distance with flexibility, such as in engines or pulleys. Chain and sprocket systems are often found in bicycles and some motorcycles to transmit power but are less applicable to the steering mechanism of a car.