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Question
The fuel used in a steam engine is
The fuel used in a steam engine is
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Solution
The correct option is D none of these
Most steam engines used coal for fuel. It was plentiful, easy enough to handle and work with, and the energy density of coal is high.
Some steam locomotives used wood as a fuel instead- particularly in North America where there were large supplies readily available. Its combustion properties aren’t as good- the distinctive spark-arresting chimney stacks of American locomotives were needed because they used wood-firing- but it made for an economical fuel.
Some locomotives ran on heavy oil fuels. This is convenient for firing compared to coal, but wasn’t as economical and many companies converted their oil-burning locomotives back to coal.
The best example of a niche application is the odd Swiss electric-steam locomotives. No, not a steam engine powering a generator, but a regular steam engine which used electric heaters to boil the water.
Most steam engines used coal for fuel. It was plentiful, easy enough to handle and work with, and the energy density of coal is high.
Some steam locomotives used wood as a fuel instead- particularly in North America where there were large supplies readily available. Its combustion properties aren’t as good- the distinctive spark-arresting chimney stacks of American locomotives were needed because they used wood-firing- but it made for an economical fuel.
Some locomotives ran on heavy oil fuels. This is convenient for firing compared to coal, but wasn’t as economical and many companies converted their oil-burning locomotives back to coal.
The best example of a niche application is the odd Swiss electric-steam locomotives. No, not a steam engine powering a generator, but a regular steam engine which used electric heaters to boil the water.
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