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Hero's Engine

Hero's Engine
This is a model of a steam engine invented by Hero of Alexandria in about 60 AD. It represents an early example of a machine that will transform thermal energy into kinetic energy. Hero's engine illustrates transformations of energy and aspects of Newton's laws of motion. The engine operates similarly to a rocket engine. The thermal energy supplied by the bunsen burner (not supplied) is transformed into kinetic energy in the steam jets. These jets possess momentum, and by Newton's third law (`action and reaction are equal and opposite`), give backward momentum and hence backward force to the nozzles from which they emerge. These forces create a turning movement about the longitudinal axis of the glassware and hence the glass apparatus rotates.
 
Complete with instructions.
  • £26.00
    NS4310