Winton Eliott
A Ferris wheel is an amusement ride that has a large, rotating upright wheel.
There are usually multiple passenger-carrying components (commonly called passenger cars, cabins, tubs, gondolas, capsules or pods) attached to the rim of the wheel.
The passengers stay upright in their seats as the wheel turns.
Some of the largest modern Ferris wheels have electric motors that rotate each car independently so that it stays upright even when the overall wheel is turning.
These extra-large cars are often referred to as capsules or pods.
Who invented the Ferris wheel?
The first Ferris wheel was built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. in 1893. It was designed for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.
The exposition was held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas.
At the time, it was the tallest wheeled structure ever built. It was also the first Ferris wheel to use steel construction. The Ferris wheel was an instant sensation, and it quickly became one of the most popular attractions at the exposition.
More than two million people rode on the Ferris wheel during the six-month exposition.
Today, Ferris wheels are a common sight at carnivals and fairs around the world. And they continue to evoke a sense of wonder and delight in people of all ages.
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Why is it called a Ferris wheel?
The Ferris wheel is one of the most popular attractions at carnivals and fairgrounds around the world. Named for its inventor, George Ferris, the Ferris wheel is a large wheel that visitors can ride in seats suspended from the rim.
While today’s Ferris wheels are often towering structures with dozens of cars, the first Ferris wheel was only about 80 feet tall.
Despite its relatively modest height, the original Ferris wheel was a sensation when it debuted at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893.
Tens of thousands of people rode it during the six months that it was operational, and it quickly became one of the fair’s most popular attractions.
In the years since, the Ferris wheel has become an enduring symbol of amusement parks and carnivals, providing fun and excitement for millions of people every year.
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How does a Ferris wheel work?
A typical Ferris wheel has a central support structure with spokes emanating from a central hub. The passenger-carrying cars are attached to the outer rim of the wheel, and they rotate along with the wheel as it turns.
Passengers stay upright in their seats thanks to the centrifugal force generated by the rotating wheel.
This same force also helps to keep the overall Ferris wheel structure stable. As the wheel turns, each car moves independently, ensuring that passengers always remain upright, even if the overall wheel is tilted.
The electric motors that power some of the largest Ferris wheels are capable of rotating each car individually, further ensuring a smooth ride for passengers.
These extra-large cars are often referred to as capsules or pods. Thanks to their sophisticated design, Ferris wheels are safe and enjoyable attractions for people of all ages.
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What is the tallest and fastest Ferris wheel in the world?
The tallest Ferris wheel in the world is the High Roller, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It stands 550 feet (168 meters) tall and has a diameter of 520 feet (160 meters).
The High Roller has 28 double-decked cars that can each carry up to 40 people. It rotates at a leisurely pace of about one revolution per hour. In contrast, the fastest Ferris wheel in the world is the Star of Nanchang.
Located in Nanchang, China, this wheel has a diameter of 520 feet (160 meters) and a height of 550 feet (168 meters). It boasts 32 capsule-style cars that can each carry up to 50 people.
The Star of Nanchang rotates at a speed of about two revolutions per minute, which is more than twice as fast as the High Roller.
Thanks to its high speed, the Star of Nanchang has been nicknamed the “world’s fastest roller coaster.” Despite its name, however, it is not technically a roller coaster since it does not have any track.
Regardless, the Star of Nanchang is an impressive feat of engineering, and it provides an exhilarating experience for riders.
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Summary
The Ferris wheel was invented in 1893 by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. as a centerpiece for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The original Ferris wheel was 264 feet (80 m) tall and had 36 cars, each capable of carrying 60 people. It was the tallest structure in the world at that time.
The wheel was Powered by two steam engines, one at each end, and rotated on a set of large steel bearings. Each rotation took about six minutes, and the ride could accommodate over 2,000 people per hour.
The Ferris wheel was an immediate success and soon became a popular attraction at amusement parks around the world. Today, Ferris wheels are still a common sight at fairgrounds and carnivals and continue to thrill millions of riders every year.
