
Steam engines
A steam engine is a machine that converts heat energy from burning fuel, like coal or wood, into mechanical energy. It works by heating water to create steam, which builds pressure and drives a piston or turbine. As the steam expands, it pushes the piston, turning wheels or generating electricity. Steam engines were pivotal during the Industrial Revolution, powering locomotives and factories, transforming transportation and manufacturing. They laid the foundation for modern engines, influencing technology and society significantly. Their efficiency eventually declined with the rise of electric and internal combustion engines, but they remain a key innovation in engineering history.