Question

Who invented a new steam engine capable of providing energy to power machines in factories?
A. Matthew Boulton
B. James Watt
C. Mc Adam
D. James Brindley

Answer 1

Hint:
 The theory of horsepower, and the SI unit of power, was also invented by the person responsible for inventing the steam engine. In the industrial revolution, the steam engine played a key role.

Complete answer:
 A steam engine is a thermal engine that uses steam as its working fluid to perform mechanical work. To drive a piston back and forth within a cylinder, the steam engine utilises the force produced by steam pressure. A connecting rod and flywheel turn the pushing force into a rotational force for work. The term 'steam engine' is commonly applied only to reciprocating engines, not to the steam turbine.

The new steam engine was invented by James Watt (1736-1819). The steam engine was transformed by this invention from a mere pump into a prime mover. He made the steam engine capable of supplying the power machines in factories with electricity. Following the development in 1775 of the Soho Foundry in Birmingham, steam engines were produced in rising numbers. By the end of the 18th century, hydraulic power was starting to be replaced by Watt's steam engine.

The Watt steam engine was an early steam engine, alternatively known as the Boulton and Watt steam engine, and was one of the driving forces of the Industrial Revolution. With help from Matthew Boulton, James Watt developed the concept sporadically from 1763 to 1775. Compared with earlier designs, Watt's design saved so much more fuel than they were certified based on the amount of fuel they would save. The first steam engines were of the "atmospheric" design, introduced by Thomas Newcomen in 1712.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note:
 The oldest living Watt engine, now in the Science Museum, London, is the 1777 Old Bess. The Smethwick Engine, brought into operation in May 1779 and now at Thinktank in Birmingham (formerly at the now-defunct Museum of Science and Industry, Birmingham), is the world's oldest operating engine. The 1812 Boulton and Watt engine at the Crofton Pumping Station is the oldest one still in its original engine house and still capable of doing the job for which it was built.