Question

Write the disadvantages of a steam engine.

Answer 1

Hint: Steam engine used to generate electricity through heat energy obtained by the burning of coal. Steam engines are large and heavy, and use fossil fuels to get operated. Steam engines are used in trains to transport the train from one location to another. Fossil fuel has to be burnt to produce steam through water.

Complete answer:
A steam engine is a machine that burns coal to release the heat energy that it contains. Just like the heat from the fire boils the water in the kettle and turns it into steam, this engine does the same process but instead of blowing off uselessly into the air, the steam is captured and used to power a machine. There are three different parts in a steam engine:
A fire where the coal would burn.
A boiler full of water is used that makes the fire heat up to make steam.
A cylinder and piston are used. Steam from the boiler is transported into the cylinder, which causes the piston to move the first one away and then the other. This in and out movement is used to drive the engine.
Disadvantages:
Steam engines are usually huge and heavy. Because of this, it is tough to transport them from one place to another.
Steam engines have a lower efficiency as compared to other heat engines.
Steam engine uses fossil fuels like coal to generate steam or heat. These fossil fuels are dangerous to the environment as the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, which in turn lead to global warming and climate change.
Coal has to be burnt before starting the steam engine, which may take a while to start.

Note:
Fossil fuels are burnt in an excessive amount in steam engines. Also as the efficiency of steam engines is low, even more amounts of fossil fuels are needed, which creates more pollution. The fuel which is burnt is converted into carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas, and whose increases in production in the atmosphere is the main cause of global warming.