Answer :
Final answer:
A dial indicator rod must be long enough to reach from one coupling to the other coupling in machinery alignment tasks. This is an engineering concern as proper alignment ensures reduced wear and improved machinery efficiency.
Explanation:
The question pertains to the proper length that a dial indicator rod should have in the context of aligning couplings in a machinery setup, which is a task often encountered in mechanical engineering and maintenance. The dial indicator rod must be long enough to reach from one coupling to the other coupling to ensure accurate measurement and alignment. This is crucial because proper alignment of the couplings can significantly reduce wear and tear on the machinery, extend its lifespan, and improve efficiency.
When setting up or maintaining machinery, engineers or technicians will utilize a dial indicator to measure the alignment between the two couplings. This ensures that the power transmission between the motor and the machinery it drives is as smooth as possible, reducing the potential for vibration and subsequent mechanical failure. Therefore, it is not simply reaching the indicator, shaft, or motor that matters; it is the distance between the two couplings that is critical for this operation.