Reciprocating Motion

Most recent answer: 10/22/2007

Q:
WHAT IS RECIPROCATION MOTION
- MELISSA
UK
A:
Reciprocating motion is a back-and-forth motion which repeats over and over again, or an up-and-down motion. Old water pumps, the kind with the big, long handles need reciprocating motion to draw water up out of the well with a piston and a one-way valve. Steam locomotives convert reciprocating motion driven by the expansion of steam inside piston chambers to rotary motion by cranking rods attached to the rims of the drive wheels.

Tom

(published on 10/22/2007)