Steam+Engines+(Coal)


 * [[image:Untitled1.png caption="How a Steam Engine Works" link="http://www.howstuffworks.com/steam1.htm"]] ||
 * How a Steam Engine Works ||

How Do They Work?

Steam engines are fairly simple in their operation. As shown in the picture above steam is used to move a piston back and forth. First, the pressured steam is released into the one side of the piston causing the volume to expand and move the piston it in one direction. This follows the equation PV=nRT, where P is Pressure and V is volume and they are directly related. Next, more pressured steam is the released into the opposite side of the cylinder causing the piston to move back in the other direction. This is repeated over and over and the piston keeps moving back and forth. Attached to the piston is a rod that moves back and forth with the piston. This rod moving back and forth converts the thermal energy of the heated and pressurized steam into kinetic energy that can be used to spin the wheels and make the train move.


 * Early 1900’s railroad laws**

• The interstate commerce act of 1887 tried to rid the railroad industry of unfairness by eliminating discrimination against small markets, making it illegal to have pools and rebates and making a “reasonable and just prince standard” • In 1888 Benjamin Harrison made the Railroad Safety Appliance act law. This required air brakes and automatic couplers. • Teddy Roosevelt passed the Hepburn act which made it so the Interstate Commerce Commission could create “just and reasonable maximum rates”. As a result rates dropped significantly in the following years.


 * Government Effects From 1829-1903**

Civil War-Trains increased ability to move troops and supplies Economy-Decreased shipping time allowed for more goods to be sold. Coincided with the industrial revolution Travel to the West was made easier. Railway was privately owned and was used in corrupt politics