Final answer:
The railway air brake revolutionized train transportation by providing a safer and more efficient method of braking. It increased speed, expanded rail networks, and improved efficiency, contributing to industrial and economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The railway air brake, invented by George Westinghouse in 1869, revolutionized train transportation by providing a safer and more efficient method of braking. Before the air brake, trains had to rely on manual braking, which was dangerous and limited their speed. With the air brake, trains could be stopped more safely, allowing them to travel at higher speeds and transport goods and people more efficiently.
This improvement in train transportation fueled industrial and economic growth in several ways:
- Increased speed: The ability to stop trains more quickly and safely allowed them to travel at higher speeds. This reduced travel time and made it possible to transport goods and people over longer distances in less time. Faster transport opened up new markets and facilitated the movement of raw materials to industrial factories.
- Expansion of rail networks: The air brake made trains safer, which increased confidence in rail travel and led to the expansion of rail networks. This expansion connected more towns and cities, opening up new trade routes and facilitating the growth of industries in previously isolated areas.
- Increase in efficiency: The air brake allowed for more efficient operation of trains. Instead of relying on manual braking, which required workers to jump from one car to the next, the air brake enabled the train's engineer to apply brakes from the locomotive. This reduced the need for additional personnel and improved the overall efficiency of train operations.