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Steam engines

Definition

Steam engines were machines that used steam to generate power and perform work. They played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution in powering various industries such as factories, transportation systems, and mining operations.

Analogy

Think of steam engines like supercharged kettles. Just as boiling water creates steam that builds up pressure inside a kettle, steam engines use heated water to create high-pressure steam that drives pistons or turbines to generate mechanical energy.

Related terms

Coal: Coal was the primary fuel source for early steam engines. It was burned to heat water and produce steam, which powered the engine.

Watt's Engine: James Watt's improved version of the steam engine revolutionized industrial production by increasing its efficiency and reliability.

Industrial Revolution: The period of rapid industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries when major technological advancements, including the development of steam engines, transformed society and manufacturing processes.