Science Question - Steam Engine?

Question

Explain some of the ways in which the steam engine has successfully solved the problem it was made for?

Explain some of the limitations of steam engine by explaining aspects of the problem which have not been sucessfully solved?

Answer 1

It was originally made to power factory equipment.  It was later adapted to power ships, railroads, heavy equipment (e.g. steam shovel) cars and electric power generation (where it is still used).   What was needed was a power plant that could operate anywhere, operate any time and produce prodigious amounts of power.

It's downfall were efficiency and safety.  Compared to other sources of power they are heavy, expensive to build and expensive to operate.  The tended to explode if not properly run.  But when put to proper use it is still very useful.  It is the most efficient, reliable  way to produce power to turn electric generators.  All nuclear power plants and ships are steam.

Answer 2

before the steam engine, the main source of fuel was wood. now wood, is expensive enough, and also less energy output per piece. so, instead of wood, coal and the steam engine were produced.

after the steam engine, there were still limitations, first, like wood, the coal reserves of the world will eventually decrease. also, burning harms the environment, and the steam engine enhances environmental problems such as global warming if used on a large scale.

there is still more to explain, but i'm not helping you by bluntly giving all the answers.