Initial sources of energy used to operate machines were __________ and __________.
water mills and wind mills ?
The initial sources of energy used to operate machines were human power and animal power.
The initial sources of energy used to operate machines were human power and animal power.
To understand this, we can look at the historical development of machinery and the limitations of available energy sources at that time.
1. Human power: Before the advent of machinery, human labor was the primary source of energy for performing tasks. People used their physical strength and skills to carry out various tasks like agricultural work, manual construction, and transportation. However, human power had its limitations when it came to heavy or repetitive tasks, as it was dependent on the physical abilities and endurance of individuals.
2. Animal power: As civilizations progressed, humans started domesticating animals such as horses, oxen, and donkeys to help with labor-intensive activities. These animals provided additional power and efficiency compared to human labor. They were utilized for tasks like pulling plows, carts, and turning mills. Animal power significantly increased productivity and allowed for the development of more complex machinery.
It is important to note that before the industrial revolution, other sources of energy such as wind and water were also used in specific regions and instances. For example, windmills were used to grind grain, and waterwheels were used to power sawmills and flour mills.
In conclusion, in the early stages of machinery development, human power and animal power were the primary sources of energy used to operate machines.