Cylinder (disambiguation) facts for kids

A cylinder is a 3D shape that looks like a can or a tube. It has two flat, round ends that are parallel to each other, and a curved side connecting them.

Sometimes, the word "cylinder" can also mean other things, especially in science and technology. Let's explore some of them!

Cylinders in Science and Technology

Engine Parts

• Engine cylinder: In a car or motorcycle engine, a cylinder is a space where a part called a piston moves up and down. This movement helps create power for the vehicle.
• Cylinder (locomotive): Old steam trains also have cylinders. These are big parts where steam pushes a piston to make the train's wheels turn.

Containers and Tools

• Gas cylinder: This is a strong container used to store gas that has been squeezed into a small space.
  • Diving cylinder: Scuba divers use a type of gas cylinder to carry the air they breathe underwater.
• Graduated cylinder: In a science lab, a graduated cylinder is a tall, thin glass container with markings on the side. Scientists use it to measure the exact amount of liquids.
• Hydraulic cylinder: These are parts of machines that use liquid pressure to create strong pushing or pulling forces. Think of the arms on a digger!
• Pneumatic cylinder: Similar to hydraulic cylinders, but these use compressed air instead of liquid to move things. They are often found in factory machines.

Security and Weapons

• Cylinder lock: This is the main part of a lock where you insert your key. The key's special shape matches the cylinder's inside, allowing you to turn it and unlock the door.
• Cylinder (firearms): In some older types of handguns, like revolvers, the cylinder is a spinning part that holds the bullets before they are fired.

Cylinders in Information and History

Storing Information

• Phonograph cylinder: Long ago, before CDs or MP3s, people recorded music and voices on phonograph cylinders. These were the first way to store and play back sound! They were popular from the 1870s until about 1904.
• Cylinder (disk drive): In computer hard drives, a cylinder is a way to describe how data is organized on the spinning disks. It helps the computer find information quickly.

Ancient Records

• Cylinder seal: In ancient times, especially in Mesopotamia, people used small, engraved cylinders made of stone or clay. They would roll these seals over wet clay to create a picture story or a signature.

• Cuneiform scripts on cylinders: Some very old documents, like those from ancient Babylonian kings, were written in Cuneiform script on clay cylinders. These cylinders tell us about history and important events from thousands of years ago.
  • Cylinder of Nabonidus: An ancient clay cylinder with writings from King Nabonidus of Babylonia.
  • Cyrus Cylinder: A famous ancient clay cylinder with a declaration from King Cyrus the Great of Persia. It's often seen as one of the first documents about human rights.

The Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay cylinder from Persia.

Places Named Cylinder

• Cylinder, Iowa: There is a small city in the United States named Cylinder, located in the state of Iowa.

Related Ideas

• Cylinder hat: Also known as a Top hat, this is a tall, formal hat that was very popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.