Video: The Wheel

Summary:

The wheel is probably the most important mechanical invention of all time. From tiny watch gears to cars, trains, jet engines and computer disk drives, nearly every machine built since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution depends on the concept of a symmetrical component moving in a circular motion on an axis. A circular device capable of rotating on its axis, a wheel together with an axle overcomes friction by facilitating motion by rolling. It is interesting to note that wheels may have had industrial or manufacturing applications before they were used on vehicles.

(1 hour)