Page 295 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)

Copper One of the chemical elements, Fuse A safety device for electrical
copper is a soft, red metal that is an machines that stops the current
excellent conductor of electricity and heat. flowing if it is too strong.

Cosmic Something that belongs, Gasoline The North American term
or relates to, the universe. for petrol—a flammable liquid that
is mainly used to fuel different forms
Crankshaft A metal shaft in a engine of transportation, from cars to boats.
that changes the up-and-down motion of
pistons into rotary motion to drive wheels. Gearbox The set of gears that connect
the engine of a vehicle to its wheels.
Density The amount of matter stored
within a known volume of a material. Generator A device that converts energy
from rotational motion into electricity.
Differential A set of gears that revolve
at different speeds, allowing a vehicle Geocentric A way of viewing or GLOSSARY
to go around corners smoothly. ▲ THOMAS EDISON AND HIS ASSOCIATES measuring Earth by putting it
TESTING A LAMP at the center.
Direct current (DC) An electrical
current, such as that from a battery, that Electronic ignition A system that needs Germ A microscopic plant or animal,
flows in one direction to generate electricity. an electronic circuit to start a machine, especially one that can cause illness.
such as in a car.
Displace The action of moving something Gravity The force of attraction that exists
out of its normal position—for example, Element A pure substance that cannot between all objects, and is what pulls
an object in a glass of water can displace be broken down into any simpler objects down toward Earth. In space,
the water, causing a spill. substances. Elements are the building gravitational forces are much smaller,
blocks of all matter. There are 118 which is why astronauts float.
Domesticate The process of improving elements, most of which occur naturally.
farming methods (of animals or plants) Harpoon A barbed, spearlike missile
or living styles (such as dogs in houses) Energy The capacity to do work. It may that is used for hunting large fish
to help and develop the way humans live. come from a source such as coal or the sun, and whales.
and can be used to generate electricity.
Efficient A machine or system that Heliocentric A way of viewing
reaches a high level of productivity. Engine A device that burns fuel and or measuring the sun by putting
oxygen to release stored heat energy it at the center.
Elasticity A property of a material that can power a machine.
that allows it to stretch and bend when Hieroglyphics An ancient form of writing
you push or pull it, and then returns Equator An imaginary line that that uses pictures to represent sounds and
to its original shape. goes around the middle of Earth words. The ancient Egyptians, and some
to divide the northern and southern other civilizations, used this system.
Electricity A type of energy caused halves of the planet. The equator is
by electrons inside an atom. Static often drawn onto maps and globes. Hull The main body of a ship or
electricity is made by electrons building boat, not including the masts, yards,
up in one place, while current electricity Force A pushing or pulling action that sails, or rigging.
happens when electrons move around. changes an object’s speed, direction of
movement, or shape. Hydrogen The simplest, lightest, and
Electrode An electrical contact in a most abundant of all chemical elements.
circuit. Electrodes can have a positive Fossil fuel A substance that burns This gas is one component of water and
or negative charge. easily, releasing heat that has formed can be used as a sustainable fuel.
from the remains of ancient plants
Electromagnet A coil of wire that and other organisms. Fossil fuels Ignition The system in a gasoline engine
generates temporary magnetism when include coal, natural gas, and oil. that makes the mixture of gasoline and air
electricity flows through it. in the cylinders catch fire.
Friction This type of force occurs
Electron This is a particle inside an between two objects, where their Incandescent A way of describing
atom with a negative charge. Electrons surfaces rub against each other something that is very hot and glowing,
orbit the atom’s nucleus (or core) in to slow down movement. such as the filament in a light bulb.
layers called shells.

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