No definitive answer to that. Most common spoke number on standard bikes is 36/wheel, but pretty much anything goes. Nice road bikes can have 24 or lower, while tricked out cruisers can have 72 or even 144. A smaller wheel can survive with fewer spokes, so the good money is on 36 or lower.
Both! The spokes above the axle are stretched so they provide a tension, the spokes below the axle are compressed and likewise provide a force.
52 spokes on a racing cycle
So the wheel is flexible but firm
24 spokes
A wheel with 64 spokes will have 64 spaces between the spokes.
There are many types of spokes. Some are the spokes on a bicycle, another are the spokes on a wheelchair, or you can even find them on baby carriages.
A wheel with 10 spokes will have 10 spaces between the spokes.
360 / 15 = 24 spokes
There are 24 spokes
The stock Explorer rims have 5 spokes
The spindle and hub is connected to the rim by 64 spokes
360 / 30 = 12 , so 12 spokes in that wheel.