What was the steam engine used for?

A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. In simple terms, the steam engine uses the expansion principle of chemistry, where heat applied to water transforms the water to steam. and then pushes a piston (cylinder). read more

To understand a basic steam engine, let's take the example of the steam engine found in an old steam locomotive like the one in the photo. The basic parts of the steam engine in a locomotive would be a boiler, slide valve, cylinder, steam reservoir, piston and a drive wheel. read more

The steam engine was used to pump water out of coal mines During the Industrial Revolution, steam engines started to replace water and wind power, and eventually became the dominant source of power in the late 19th century and remaining so into the early decades of the 20th century, when the more efficient steam turbine and the internal combustion engine resulted in the rapid replacement of the steam engines. read more