motive power
Quick Summary
Motive power refers to the agency used to impart motion, especially to machinery. This can be something like water or steam, or a more direct source like a locomotive or motor. Historically, steam power was the primary source for transportation and industry, generated by heating water to create steam, often using coal or wood.12
In modern times, diesel and electric power have largely replaced steam for locomotives. Diesel locomotives carry their own fuel, while electric locomotives draw power from an external source. Gas turbines have also been explored as an alternative, though their adoption has been limited by cost and efficiency considerations compared to other technologies. Steam power continues to be vital for generating electricity in power plants.342
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
