What is a steam engine?

A steam engine is a mechanical contraption that creates mechanical energy derived from thermal energy. Steam engines were used in the last two centuries to power factory machinery, boats, and trains

When was it created?

Early concepts have been found to be as old as the ancient Greeks. The earliest recorded was made by Heron of Alexandria sometime during c.10-70A.D. The model shown above was the last refinement ever needed by James Watt in 1781.

How does it work?

A steam engine has a water tank just like cars have gasoline tanks. The water is the main fuel source of the mechanization. Under the tank is a source of heat that varies from user to user. When the water has built enough heat and pressure steam will travel through a fuel line into a combustion chamber and pressurizes a piston inside it. This rotates the wheel it’s moving as the piston moves to the right. The piston then breathes in cold air which condenses the steam inside back into water and creates a vacuum. The vacuum pulls the piston back inside, moving it to the left, rotating the wheel once more and the cycle begins all over again.

What science is involved?

Thermal energy, Mechanical energy are the definitions of this model. Chemical science dictates what the best fuel source for heating up the water tank will be.