ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES Meaning and
Definition
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Electric locomotives are a type of railway locomotive that is powered by electricity. These locomotives draw their power from an external source, such as overhead power lines or a third rail, and convert it into electrical energy to propel the train. They are designed to deliver high levels of torque and provide efficient and reliable transportation of both freight and passengers.
Electric locomotives are composed of several key components. The power source, typically an overhead catenary system, supplies electrical energy to the locomotive. A pantograph, which is an apparatus mounted on the locomotive's roof, connects to the power lines and collects this energy. The collected energy is then transferred to the electric traction motors, which convert it into mechanical energy that drives the locomotive's wheels. These motors are specifically designed to provide the necessary power and torque to move the weights of the train.
Electric locomotives offer numerous advantages over other types of locomotives. They are more environmentally friendly compared to their diesel counterparts since they produce zero emissions during operation, helping to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Electric locomotives also offer greater energy efficiency, with the ability to convert a high percentage of the energy absorbed into kinetic energy, resulting in reduced energy consumption and costs. Additionally, electric locomotives tend to have lower maintenance costs due to their simpler mechanical structure and fewer moving parts compared to diesel locomotives.
In summary, electric locomotives are railway vehicles powered by electricity that offer efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation. They have a range of components that work together to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing for the movement of heavy loads and the transportation of people and goods.
Etymology of ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
The word "electric" originated from the Latin word "electricus", which means "pertaining to amber" or "produced by amber". The Latin word is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", also meaning "amber". Amber was known to have the property of attracting lightweight objects when rubbed, a phenomenon later understood to be static electricity.
"Locomotive" comes from the Latin word "locomōtīvus", which means "able to move" or "causing motion". It is derived from the Latin verb "loqui", meaning "to move about" or "to speak". The term "locomotive" was initially used to refer to any self-propelled vehicle or device capable of moving itself.
