Railway electric traction

Railway electric traction is the way trains get their power to run. Just like your toy car needs batteries to move, a train needs electricity to go. Instead of batteries, a train gets its electricity from big cables above the tracks called overhead wires.

When a train car moves along the track, the electricity travels from the overhead wire to a part on the train called a pantograph. The pantograph is a big hook shape that sits on top of the train car and helps it grab onto the overhead wires.

Once the train has the electricity, it sends it to a big machine called a motor. This motor uses the electricity to make the wheels on the train turn, which makes the train move forward.

The electricity in the overhead wires comes from a power plant. The power plant makes the electricity and it travels through big cables to the overhead wires. The train picks up the electricity and uses it to move along the tracks.

Railway electric traction is a good way for trains to get power because it is faster, cleaner and more efficient than using coal or diesel. It helps us move things and people around the world quickly and safely.