World War I Railroads

The Role of Railroads During WWI

Read the following linked article: Railroads of War

Reflect on what you learned by answering the following questions.

1. How did U.S. Army engineers assist the French in improving their railroad system?
2. What were some differences between the French trains and U.S. trains?
3. What materials were the railroads (specifically lightrail) used to carry?

Vocabulary

The following are terms which are key to understanding how trains functioned during World War I.

Thermal energy (also called heat energy) is produced when a rise in temperature causes atoms and molecules to move faster and collide with each other. The energy that comes from the temperature of the heated substance is called thermal energy Thermal Energy: Feel the Burn

Mechanical Energy - The energy acquired by the objects upon which work is done is known as mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy of position). Work, Energy, and Power - Lesson 1 - Basic Terminology and Concepts

Steam Locomotives

As you saw from the article, the way trains run requires the knowledge of number of principles related to engineering. Another word for train is locomotive. Steam locomotives were the specific type of train used during World War I. Here are two videos which describe how steam locomotives work. Watch each video and jot notes describing how steam locomotives work based on what you saw.

Steam Engine - How Does It Work

How do Steam Engines Work?

Steam Locomotives continued

Reinforce your understanding:

How Do Steam Locomotives Work - Steam Engines Explained

Based on the videos you watched, explain the path of steam from it’s creation through it’s use and ultimate expulsion. You may create your own diagram or flow chart. Here is an example of a flow chart:

Use as many boxes and arrows as necessary. Inside the boxes, provide a description of what happens at each step.

Application

Based on the videos you watched, answer the following questions:

What causes water to become steam?

How does pressure affect the movement of molecules?

Describe the process of refining the steam engine so it would function as desired.

Extension:

Can you think of an example you have witnessed, or find an example, of thermal energy being turned into mechanical energy?

Supplementary Resources

Khan Academy - What is thermal energy?

Physical Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools

PS.6 The student will investigate and understand forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed.