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Name:  Brandon L.
Status:  student
Age:  9
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
Why does the size of a ball or wheel have to do with its speed? For example on rollerblades sometimes the wheels are small and others are big. My friend said it is because the size of the wheel can make it go faster or slower...is that true?

Replies:
Wheel size can affect speed in several ways. A large wheel may have more mass. More mass requires a stronger push to speed up as much as a smaller mass. On the other hand, a larger wheel doesn't have to spin as fast as a smaller wheel. If lubrication of the axle is poor, a board with larger wheel can travel faster. Wheel size can have a variety of effects on speed, but there is no definite link. One cannot always say large or small is better. It depends on the characteristics of the individual vehicle.

Kenneth Mellendorf


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