Text B Technological Systems 4.1 Steam Engines

Question 1

What is the basic principle behind steam engines?

Answer 1

Steam pressure exerts force and can move objects

This principle was understood from the observation of boiling water producing steam.

Question 2

Who was the Greek inventor that described an early steam machine?

Answer 2

Hero of Alexandria

Historians debate Hero’s birth date, with estimates ranging from 130 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.

Question 3

What did Hero of Alexandria’s steam engine demonstrate?

Answer 3

Understanding of steam pressure and its ability to produce mechanical motion

Hero’s steam engine was more of a toy than a practical machine.

Question 4

When was the first practical steam engine developed?

Answer 4

In the 1600s

This period saw a critical need for powerful engines due to fuel scarcity in England.

Question 5

What were some industries that required more fuel in the 1600s?

Answer 5

• Iron smelting
• Glassmaking
• Firing pottery and bricks

Question 6

What was the primary method used by miners to remove water before steam engines?

Answer 6

Using horses to pull buckets of water

At one mine, 500 horses were required to keep it free of water.

Question 7

Who built the first practical steam engine and when did he receive the patent?

Answer 7

Thomas Savery in 1698

Savery’s patent gave him exclusive rights to make and sell his invention.

Question 8

What is the main function of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 8

To pump water from mines

Savery’s engine was simple yet effective.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The steam engine generates steam and converts steam pressure into _______.

Answer 9

mechanical motion

Question 10

What is the first step in the operation of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 10

Fire boils the water in boiler B producing steam

Question 11

What happens in Step 3 of Savery’s steam engine operation?

Answer 11

Steam in D condenses and creates a partial vacuum

This results in atmospheric pressure pushing water up into vessel D.

Question 12

What is the final step in the operation of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 12

Water is expelled from G

This occurs after steam from B pushes water out of D.

Question 13

What is the basic principle behind steam engines?

Answer 13

Steam pressure exerts force and can move objects

This principle was understood from the observation of boiling water producing steam.

Question 14

Who was the Greek inventor that described an early steam machine?

Answer 14

Hero of Alexandria

Historians debate Hero’s birth date, with estimates ranging from 130 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.

Question 15

What did Hero of Alexandria’s steam engine demonstrate?

Answer 15

Understanding of steam pressure and its ability to produce mechanical motion

Hero’s steam engine was more of a toy than a practical machine.

Question 16

When was the first practical steam engine developed?

Answer 16

In the 1600s

This period saw a critical need for powerful engines due to fuel scarcity in England.

Question 17

What were some industries that required more fuel in the 1600s?

Answer 17

• Iron smelting
• Glassmaking
• Firing pottery and bricks

Question 18

What was the primary method used by miners to remove water before steam engines?

Answer 18

Using horses to pull buckets of water

At one mine, 500 horses were required to keep it free of water.

Question 19

Who built the first practical steam engine and when did he receive the patent?

Answer 19

Thomas Savery in 1698

Savery’s patent gave him exclusive rights to make and sell his invention.

Question 20

What is the main function of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 20

To pump water from mines

Savery’s engine was simple yet effective.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The steam engine generates steam and converts steam pressure into _______.

Answer 21

mechanical motion

Question 22

What is the first step in the operation of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 22

Fire boils the water in boiler B producing steam

Question 23

What happens in Step 3 of Savery’s steam engine operation?

Answer 23

Steam in D condenses and creates a partial vacuum

This results in atmospheric pressure pushing water up into vessel D.

Question 24

What is the final step in the operation of Savery’s steam engine?

Answer 24

Water is expelled from G

This occurs after steam from B pushes water out of D.

Question 25

What was the main issue with Savery's engine?

Answer 25

Inefficient and costly to operate ## Footnote This drove inventors to search for better alternatives.

Question 26

Who invented the atmospheric engine in 1712?

Answer 26

Thomas Newcomen ## Footnote Newcomen's engine was a significant improvement over previous designs.

Question 27

What role did atmospheric pressure play in Newcomen's engine?

Answer 27

Important role in the design ## Footnote It was crucial for the operation of the engine.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Newcomen's engine operates with the steam valve ______ open and the cold water valve ______ closed.

Answer 28

open; closed ## Footnote This allows steam to enter the cylinder.

Question 29

What pushes the piston up in Newcomen's engine?

Answer 29

Steam pressure ## Footnote The steam from the boiler enters the cylinder and pushes the piston.

Question 30

What happens to the piston in the mine pump when the piston in the cylinder moves up?

Answer 30

The piston in the mine pump goes down ## Footnote This is due to the motion of the rocking beam.

Question 31

What causes the steam in the cylinder to condense?

Answer 31

A spray of cold water ## Footnote This creates a partial vacuum in the cylinder.

Question 32

What happens after the steam valve closes and the cold water valve opens?

Answer 32

Atmospheric pressure pushes the piston back down ## Footnote This is a crucial part of the engine's cycle.

Question 33

True or False: A vacuum pulls water up from a mine.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote Pressure pushes water, and a partial vacuum creates low pressure but does not pull.

Question 34

According to the principles of pressure, what determines the direction that pressure will push water in a pipe?

Answer 34

Comparison of pressure inside the pipe with that outside ## Footnote The higher pressure will push on the water.

Question 35

What is the function of the valves in Newcomen's engine?

Answer 35

Allow the piston in the mine pump to go down without pushing water down ## Footnote This ensures efficient operation of the pump.

Question 36

What is the effect of the downward motion of the piston on the cold water valve?

Answer 36

Closes the cold water valve ## Footnote This is part of the cycle that facilitates the operation of the engine.

Question 37

What does the downward motion of the piston in the mine pump create?

Answer 37

Partial vacuum in the pipe ## Footnote This allows atmospheric pressure to push water up the pipe.

Question 38

What happens to the water already in the pipe during the upward motion of the mine pump?

Answer 38

It gets expelled from the mine ## Footnote The valves ensure that water is pushed out effectively.

Question 39

What is the role of the rocking beam in Newcomen's engine?

Answer 39

Transfers motion from the piston to the mine pump ## Footnote It is essential for the operation of both the piston and the pump.

Question 40

What was the challenge that led to the development of the Newcomen engine?

Answer 40

The challenge was to create a more efficient steam engine than Savery's engine, addressing issues of heating and cooling cycles

Question 41

What are the design requirements for the Newcomen engine?

Answer 41

The design requirements included improved efficiency, reduced wear on engine parts, and faster heating and cooling cycles

Question 42

What fundamental flaws did Newcomen's atmospheric engine have?

Answer 42

The flaws included rapid wear from constant heating and cooling, and slow operation due to heating and cooling times

Question 43

Who improved the steam engine and when did this occur?

Answer 43

James Watt improved the steam engine in 1757

Question 44

What was James Watt's profession before he improved the steam engine?

Answer 44

He was an instrument maker for the University of Glasgow

Question 45

What prompted James Watt to think about designing a more efficient engine?

Answer 45

Watt was asked to repair a Newcomen steam engine and became aware of its limitations

Question 46

What significant patent did James Watt receive and when?

Answer 46

Watt received a patent for his modifications of the steam engine in 1796

Question 47

Fill in the blank: The crankshaft designed by Watt is still the most common _______ in use today.

Answer 47

mechanical transfer mechanism

Question 48

True or False: All internal combustion engines convert heat into linear motion.

Answer 48

False

Question 49

How did Watt's engine improve the operation of steam engines?

Answer 49

It allowed steam to push the piston in two directions, improving efficiency

Question 50

What happens to exhaust steam during the operation of Watt's engine?

Answer 50

Exhaust steam is pushed out through a valve after each cycle

Question 51

Describe the movement of the valve rod in Watt's engine.

Answer 51

The valve rod slides to change the direction of steam flow when the piston reaches the end of the cylinder

Question 52

What was a key component of Watt's steam engine design?

Answer 52

A valve that directed steam to both sides of the piston

Question 53

What was the primary outcome of Watt's engine design improvements?

Answer 53

It became the model for all steam engines for many years

Question 54

What type of engine design is Watt's steam engine sometimes referred to as?

Answer 54

double-acting engine ## Footnote This is because steam pressure pushes the piston in both directions.

Question 55

What is the function of the valve rod in a steam engine?

Answer 55

Controls the flow of steam into the cylinder ## Footnote It helps manage the direction and timing of steam pressure applied to the piston.

Question 56

What role does the piston play in a steam engine?

Answer 56

Converts steam pressure into mechanical work ## Footnote It moves back and forth within the cylinder due to steam pressure.

Question 57

What happens to exhaust steam in a steam engine?

Answer 57

It is pushed out of the cylinder through a valve ## Footnote This exhaust steam is then condensed by a spray of water.

Question 58

What was a significant improvement made by Watt to the steam engine?

Answer 58

Designed systems of gears and levers ## Footnote This allowed the engine to power various machines in industries.

Question 59

How did Watt's steam engine change the operation of textile factories?

Answer 59

It turned a wheel that powered multiple machines via belts ## Footnote This innovation helped automate processes that were previously done manually.

Question 60

What were two previous power sources for machinery before the steam engine?

Answer 60

* Horses * Flowing water ## Footnote These sources were commonly used before the advent of steam power.

Question 61

What societal change did Watt's steam engine significantly contribute to in the late 1700s?

Answer 61

The Industrial Revolution ## Footnote It facilitated the movement of people from farms to cities for work in new industries.

Question 62

Fill in the blank: The steam pressure produced in Watt's steam engine was higher than _______.

Answer 62

atmospheric pressure

Question 63

What type of machinery in textile factories was powered by Watt's steam engine?

Answer 63

Machines connected by belts to a central wheel ## Footnote This setup allowed for multiple machines to operate simultaneously.

Question 64

True or False: The piston and cylinder in Watt's steam engine remained cool to avoid damage.

Answer 64

False ## Footnote They remained hot to avoid damage from constant heating and cooling.

Question 65

What design criteria would favour a tractor with an internal combustion engine?

Answer 65

Efficiency, power output, fuel availability, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness ## Footnote Internal combustion engines provide higher efficiency and can operate on more readily available fuels compared to steam engines.

Question 66

What was the best-known steam car by the beginning of the 1900s?

Answer 66

The Stanley Steamer ## Footnote The Stanley Steamer was the most recognized steam car, with Brooks also producing steam cars in Canada from 1923 to 1927.

Question 67

What components of the steam engine provide thrust to turn the wheels?

Answer 67

The steam cylinders ## Footnote The steam cylinders work in pairs to generate sufficient thrust for locomotion.

Question 68

What was the primary purpose of steam-powered tractors during the Industrial Revolution?

Answer 68

To cultivate more land than horses could ## Footnote Steam-powered tractors allowed farmers to increase productivity significantly.

Question 69

What technological advancements were necessary for steam engines to power larger machines?

Answer 69

Higher steam pressures, stronger boilers, better cylinders, and improved seals ## Footnote These advancements were critical in the development of more powerful steam engines.

Question 70

When was the first railway built in Canada?

Answer 70

1836 ## Footnote The railway connected Montréal to the Richelieu River, marking a significant development in transportation.

Question 71

What was the impact of steam locomotives on the western Prairies?

Answer 71

They opened up the region for expansion and development ## Footnote Steam locomotives facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to the growth of the Prairies.

Question 72

What type of vessel did steam engines power in the early 1800s?

Answer 72

Paddle-wheel steamboats ## Footnote These boats were crucial for transportation on major rivers, carrying various goods and passengers.

Question 73

What was one of the uses of steamboats by the Hudson's Bay Company?

Answer 73

To carry supplies to fur trappers ## Footnote Steamboats played a vital role in the fur trade by transporting goods and furs.

Question 74

What type of steam engine still powers giant ocean liners and cruise ships today?

Answer 74

Steam-turbine engine ## Footnote The steam-turbine engine represents an evolution of traditional steam engines, adapted for modern marine applications.

Question 75

Who perfected the steam-turbine engine and in what year?

Answer 75

Charles Parsons in 1884 ## Footnote Parsons' work led to advancements in marine engineering and efficient power generation.

Question 76

What do steam-turbine engines use instead of pistons?

Answer 76

Steam passes through a set of curved blades ## Footnote Similar to fan blades, some of these blades are stationary while others are rotating.

Question 77

What shape do steam turbine engines have?

Answer 77

Somewhat cone-shaped ## Footnote This shape allows the steam pressure to decrease gradually.

Question 78

How does the steam pressure change as it moves through the turbine?

Answer 78

It decreases gradually ## Footnote A larger set of stationary blades directs the steam to a larger wheel with more blades.

Question 79

What happens to the steam by the time it leaves the turbine?

Answer 79

The temperature and pressure of the steam have dropped greatly.

Question 80

How many sets of rotating and stationary blades may modern turbines have?

Answer 80

As many as 20 sets ## Footnote Attached to a single shaft.

Question 81

What was the main purpose of steam engines in paddle-wheel steamboats?

Answer 81

To provide enough power to travel upriver against the current.

Question 82

What did inventors rely on while designing steam engines?

Answer 82

What they observed, not on scientific theories or laws.

Question 83

What happens to water when it boils into steam?

Answer 83

The volume of the steam is much greater than the volume of the liquid water.

Question 84

What creates very high pressures in a boiler?

Answer 84

Steam contained in a boiler not allowed to increase in volume.

Question 85

During the Industrial Revolution, what were scientists becoming curious about?

Answer 85

The basic nature of heat.

Question 86

Fill in the blank: Steam turbine engines do not use _______.

Answer 86

pistons

Question 87

True or False: Steam turbine engines have only one set of blades.

Answer 87

False ## Footnote Large turbines have many sets of blades.