Steam+Power

= Steam Power=



One of the biggest developments of the Industrial Revolution was the invention of the steam engine. Powered by coal, it transmitted power to machinery through the process of heating water to produce steam. Since steam takes up more volume than water, the production of steam in a closed environment would produce an immense amount of pressure, which was then utilized to push pistons, turn wheels, etc. This mechanical energy was used to more efficiently produce textiles, metals, and many other products. In 1700, Thomas Savery invented a practical steam pump. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen improved this device to pump water from coal mines. The Newcomen steam engine was very wasteful of fuel, but later, in 1769, James Watt produced a more effective steam engine that required less fuel. The steam engine aided a number of different industries, including the mining of coal, textile manufacturing, and the production of iron and steel.

Created by: Stacy Fairey 2.11.09 Edited by Christina Oelsner 2/12/09 Edited by: Dirk Gadsden (February 12, 2009) Edited by Alexa DeAntonio 2-13-2009
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