View Single Post
  #21  
Old 07-25-2003, 01:21 AM
anthonyb anthonyb is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,565
Re: Re: Re: Ding! Ding! Ding! ... We Have A Winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by Norman Anthony
Again ... the terms can be used interchangeably ... it just depends on what one is describing, and where (geographically).
Actually no, the terms are not interchangeable. Engine = liquid fuel, motor = solid fuel (although I suspect the actual difference to be more in line with what PEH mentioned, as opposed to being based on the propellant type used). For example, if someone talks about the space shuttle boosters, they will refer to them as "motors," not engines. OTOH, if they were talking about the propulsion systems mounted on the orbiter itself, they will use the term "engine," not motor.

Of course, to most normal people, this is all just semantics.
Reply With Quote