Energy Flow and Steam Engines Quiz

The energy that a substance possesses due to motion of its particles. It is a form of internal energy that is associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules.

The transfer of thermal energy between objects or systems at different temperatures. The direction of heat flow is always from hotter to colder objects or systems.

The source of thermal energy released by a fire is chemical energy stored in the fuel. When the fuel burns, chemical bonds are broken, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

A network of high-voltage power lines that transmit electricity from generating stations to consumers.

The process of changing energy from one form to another. For example, a power plant converts chemical energy in fuel into electrical energy.

The practice of using less energy to reduce waste and environmental impact.

The use of scientific knowledge and tools to address problems and create solutions in various technological contexts. Examples include using insulation to prevent heat loss.

A material that slows down the transfer of heat. Insulators can help keep things warm or cool by reducing the rate at which heat is lost or gained.

Steam from the boiler enters the cylinder, pushing the piston up. This upward movement drives the pump. Then, cold water is injected to condense the steam, creating a partial vacuum. Atmospheric pressure then pushes the piston back down, repeating the cycle.

When steam condenses, it creates a lower pressure inside the cylinder than the atmospheric pressure outside. This difference in pressure causes the piston to be pushed downwards.

The cold water valve injects water into the cylinder to condense the steam, creating the pressure difference needed to move the piston downwards.

The engine's piston drives a pump connected to the mine shaft. The downward motion of the piston pulls water up from the mine, while valves ensure that the water is expelled from the mine.

The rocking beam connects the piston to the mine pump. The piston's up and down motion is transferred through the beam to the pump, driving its up and down movement.

Newcomen's engine utilizes the difference between atmospheric pressure and a partial vacuum created by condensing steam to power the piston. This pressure difference drives the pump ultimately extracting water from the mine.

A partial vacuum is a region where the pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure. This lower pressure is created by removing some of the air or gas from a space, like in Newcomen's engine through steam condensation.

The engine's piston, driven by pressure differences, creates a partial vacuum in the mine shaft. This low pressure allows atmospheric pressure to push water from the mine up into the pipe and out of the mine.

The movement of thermal energy from one object or system to another. This can happen through conduction, convection, and radiation.

A machine that uses the pressure of steam to generate mechanical motion. Steam is created by heating water, and the pressure is used to move components and perform work.

A Greek inventor known for his early work with steam-powered machines. He designed a device that demonstrated the power of escaping steam.

The first practical steam engine, invented by Thomas Savery in 1698. It used steam pressure to pump water out of coal mines.

The weight of the air pressing down on the Earth's surface. This pressure plays a key role in the operation of early steam engines.

An improved steam engine invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1712. This engine used both steam and atmospheric pressure to generate power.

The thermal energy in a school building typically comes from a heating system, which uses energy sources like natural gas, oil, or electricity to generate and distribute heat.

Technology uses various processes to control and manipulate thermal energy. Examples include using insulation to prevent heat loss, designing efficient heating systems, and managing heat transfer in industrial processes.

The steam engine revolutionized transportation, industry, and society by providing a new power source for machines. It enabled the development of trains, ships, and factories, contributing to the Industrial Revolution.

This investigation encourages students to apply their knowledge of thermal energy and energy conversion to design, build, and test a turbine-powered hoist. It promotes problem-solving skills and understanding of energy efficiency.

A device that transforms one form of energy into another. For example, a steam engine converts thermal energy into mechanical energy.

The measure of how much of the input energy is transformed into useful output energy. It's a measure of how well a device uses energy.

The development of technology often drives the need to understand the underlying scientific principles. Scientists then develop theories to explain the phenomena observed in technology. This cycle of development and understanding contributes to advancement in both areas.