Resolution (beam engine)

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/resolution-beam-engine

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the engine type?Reciprocating steam engine with a pivoted beam
2. What is the key technological advancements?James Watt's separate condenser, parallel motion, and sun and planet gear
3. What is the Resolution beam engine?The Resolution beam engine is a large steam-powered machine that uses a big swinging beam to turn straight piston motion into powerful back-and-forth movement. It was used to pump water from deep mines and to run heavy factory machinery.
4. How does the beam in the Resolution engine work?Steam pushes a piston in a cylinder. The piston rod lifts one end of the beam, making the beam swing back and forth. The swing turns a crank that spins a flywheel.

Reciprocating Motion: Movement back and forth in a straight line, such as that of a piston.
Oscillating Motion: Movement back and forth in an arc, like the swing of a pendulum or a beam.
Rotary Motion: Movement around a central axis, like the turning of a wheel or shaft.