Railway — Questions and answers

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What problem did the Industrial Revolution make clear about the old ways of moving things?

Choices

  1. A) There were too many animals used for pulling carts.
  2. B) The roads were too smooth and slippery for horses.
  3. C) The old transport networks couldn't move enough heavy goods fast enough. ✓
  4. D) People didn't want to buy new products anymore.
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: C) The old transport networks couldn't move enough heavy goods fast enough.

From page 1

What was a main problem with William Jessop's L-shaped cast-iron 'plateways'?

Choices

  1. A) They were too slippery for the wheels to grip.
  2. B) They were too flexible and bent out of shape easily.
  3. C) They often cracked under heavy loads because cast iron is brittle. ✓
  4. D) They were so good that no one wanted to invent new rails.
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: C) They often cracked under heavy loads because cast iron is brittle.

From page 3

What important thing did Richard Trevithick's locomotive show in 1804?

Choices

  1. A) That wooden rails were much stronger than metal ones.
  2. B) That steam engines were not strong enough to pull heavy loads.
  3. C) That a smooth wheel could grip a smooth rail and steam power could pull heavy things. ✓
  4. D) That passengers preferred to ride in horse-drawn carriages.
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: C) That a smooth wheel could grip a smooth rail and steam power could pull heavy things.

From page 4

What was a key new idea George Stephenson had for railway tracks?

Choices

  1. A) He used wooden rails painted with special glue.
  2. B) He designed 'edge rails' where the wheel, not the rail, had the guiding part, making the track stronger. ✓
  3. C) He added little gears to the rails so the wheels would stick better.
  4. D) He made the tracks out of a new type of plastic.
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: B) He designed 'edge rails' where the wheel, not the rail, had the guiding part, making the track stronger.

From page 5

What was the name of the famous competition George Stephenson's 'Rocket' won in 1829?

Choices

  1. A) The Great Locomotive Sprint
  2. B) The Iron Horse Challenge
  3. C) The Rainhill Trials ✓
  4. D) The Steam Engine Grand Prix
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: C) The Rainhill Trials

From page 6

What was special about the Stockton & Darlington Railway when it opened in 1825?

Choices

  1. A) It was the first railway to only carry passengers.
  2. B) It was the world's first public railway to use steam locomotives for coal and then passengers. ✓
  3. C) It was made entirely out of gold.
  4. D) It was powered by electric cars.
  5. E) None of the above

Answer: B) It was the world's first public railway to use steam locomotives for coal and then passengers.

From page 8