So do you mean to say....Ferris wheels use motors, therefore meaning that electrical energy is present. Electrical energy from the motor is then turned into kinetic energy. Electricity, generated from a switch and wires, travel through the motor which makes a magnetic field. In the copper coils and the magnet, there is already a magnetic field. So when the two magnetic fields come together, that makes the rotor rotate - which moves the Ferris wheel.

And then, on another note, other types of energy are gravitational potential energy, which is the energy stored in the wheel...so what am I missing here (sorry if this seems dumb, I have so many assignments in physics all at once, that things are a little jumbled, I WANT to understand everything :) )

Again, thanks, much appreciated!

S.

You have it. Friction of course is present, and squeeks and grinding noises, those are energy.

You are on the right track! Ferris wheels use motors to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, which powers the rotation of the Ferris wheel. The motor consists of coils of wire and a permanent magnet. When an electric current passes through the coils of wire, it creates a magnetic field, and this magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnet, causing the rotor (part of the motor) to rotate.

This rotation transfers mechanical energy to the Ferris wheel, causing it to move. The Ferris wheel also stores gravitational potential energy. As the wheel rotates and raises its passengers up, it gains potential energy due to the force of gravity pulling downward. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the passengers descend.

To summarize, the electrical energy from the motor is converted into kinetic energy, which powers the rotation of the Ferris wheel. Additionally, the Ferris wheel also utilizes gravitational potential energy as it raises and lowers the passengers. Both of these forms of energy work together to make the Ferris wheel operate.

You have a pretty good understanding of how a Ferris wheel works! Let me break it down step by step to make it clearer.

1. Electrical energy: Ferris wheels use motors, which require electrical energy to operate. To provide this energy, we use electric power from sources like generators or power grids.

2. Motor and kinetic energy: The electrical energy provided to the motor is turned into kinetic energy. Motors consist of electromagnets, which are essentially coils of wire that generate a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them. This magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of the rotor, which is a permanent or electromagnet, causing it to rotate. The rotational motion of the rotor is converted into the rotational motion of the Ferris wheel.

3. Gravitational potential energy: While the Ferris wheel is in motion, the carts or seats are being lifted upward due to the rotation imparted by the motor. As the carts reach the top of the wheel, they gain gravitational potential energy because they are at a higher height. This potential energy is then converted back into kinetic energy as the carts descend.

So, in summary:
- Electrical energy is used to power the motor.
- The motor converts this electrical energy into kinetic energy, which makes the wheel rotate.
- As the wheel rotates, the carts gain gravitational potential energy at the top of the wheel and convert it back into kinetic energy as they descend.

You have a good understanding of the main components and their energy transformations in a Ferris wheel. Keep asking questions, and I'm here to help you understand physics concepts better!