Radial loads act in a direction that is __ to the axis of the shaft.

• A. Parallel
• B. Oblique
• C. Perpendicular
• D. Tangential

Answer: (C)

Radial loads are forces that act perpendicular to the shaft’s axis. The shaft runs along its length, so a radial force pushes in a direction across the diameter rather than along the length. This perpendicular direction is what causes bending in the shaft and is what bearings designed to take radial loads must resist. In contrast, axial loads act along the axis of the shaft, pushing or pulling in line with its length. Tangential would be around the circumference, which isn’t the direction radial loads take, and oblique would be at an angle—not purely perpendicular. So radial loads are directed perpendicular to the shaft axis.