roda

Roda is a circular mechanical component that rotates around an axis, enabling rolling motion and reducing friction between moving parts. It supports loads and transmits torque from a drive mechanism to a vehicle or machine; in most modern vehicles, a wheel carries a tire and an axle or hub that allows rotation.

A wheel typically consists of a rim, hub, and bearing, with a tire mounted on the rim. Spoked wheels use radiating spokes to transmit torque and support weight, while solid wheels use a solid disk. Materials range from wood (historic and some traditional wheels) to steel, cast aluminum or magnesium alloys, and composite materials in high-performance applications.

History: The wheel first appeared in the ancient Near East around 3500 BCE on vehicles such as chariots; early wheels were wooden with a solid hub. Metal hubs and spokes were developed later. Wheels transformed transport, industry, and technology; the development of bearings, axles, gears and tires expanded the range of wheel-based devices.

Cultural and linguistic note: In Portuguese, roda means wheel and is used in many expressions and technical terms; in engineering contexts, roda dentada refers to a gear wheel.