Question

The first ferris wheel was 250 feet in diameter. It was invented by John Ferris in 1893. Assuming it made one revolution every 30 seconds, what was the linear speed of a passenger ( assuming the passenger is on the edge of the ferris wheel) in feet per minute.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The wheel has a diameter of 250 feet, so its circumference is:

C = 2πr = πD

C = 250π feet

It makes one revolution in 30 seconds, or half a minute, so the linear speed of the passenger is:

v = d / t

v = 250π / 0.5

v = 500π ft/min

v ≈ 1571 ft/min

This is about the same as 17.9 mph.