What core physical principles powered Hero's timed dispensing system described in Pneumatica?
Answer
Gravity and displacement
The fundamental mechanism behind Hero of Alexandria's device relied entirely on basic physics principles known even then: gravity and displacement. When a coin was deposited, its weight caused it to act as a counterweight on a lever, depressing one side. This action physically manipulated a valve system, allowing the flow of water to commence. Once the coin slid off the lever and into a collection box, gravity allowed the lever to return to its resting position, thereby closing the valve and stopping the output, establishing a precise, timed release system without any electrical power.
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