Get app
Quiz

What did the spinning metal balls of a centrifugal governor do on a steam engine?

or

Tap your pick

Correct answer: They closed the steam valve a little as the engine sped up

Two heavy balls spin on hinged arms. The faster the engine runs, the further they swing outwards, and their arms close the steam valve a little; when the engine slows, the balls drop and open it again. The engine holds its own speed without anyone watching it - the first feedback loop in widespread use, and the ancestor of the thermostat and cruise control.

Read more on Wikipedia
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Not the question you came for?

Ask your own!

In your own words. No account, 20 seconds.

or

Photo Duos, quizzes and more? That's in the free app.

That didn't work. Check the fields and try again.

Would your friends get this right?

Send it to your group chat — see who knows.

WhatsApp
</>Embed on your site

More like this

Votur

Come join us on Votur!

Voting is fun! But the real fun begins when you start asking and sharing.

Vote on taste Duos, play quick quizzes, or make your own — private for friends or public for the world. From now on, you'll always have something to talk about!

Vote on 2,734+ questions like this in the free Votur app →
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store