Reciprocating steam engine: conversion of steam's thermal energy into mechanical work Confirm the basic working principle — heat in steam is converted into piston reciprocation and then shaft work. State whether the statement is true or false.
Mechanical Engineering
Steam Boilers and Engines
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ATrue — heat energy in steam → piston to-and-fro motion → work
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BFalse — all energy conversion happens only in the condenser
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CFalse — conversion occurs only in the boiler
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DFalse — steam energy cannot be converted to mechanical work
Answer
Correct Answer: True — heat energy in steam → piston to-and-fro motion → work
Explanation
Working principleSteam expands against the piston producing a to-and-fro motion, which the mechanism converts to rotary work on the crankshaft. Thus the engine converts thermal energy of steam into mechanical energy.
Final AnswerTrue — heat energy in steam → piston to-and-fro motion → work