Coal-burning power plants burn coal to boil water. The steam produced is used to turn turbines that generate power for use
homes and businesses.
Steam
Turbine
w
Burning coal
Water
What energy transformations are involved in this process?
A. Nuclear energy is transformed into heat energy, then to kinetic energy of vapor, and then to electrical energy.
B. Electrical energy is transformed into kinetic energy, then to heat energy of water, and then to chemical energy.
C. Chemical energy is transformed into heat energy, then to kinetic energy in the turbines, and then to electrical energy.
D. Kinetic energy in the turbines is transformed into potential energy, then to chemical energy, and then to mechanical energy.



Answer :

In the process of generating power from coal-burning power plants, several energy transformations take place:

C. Chemical energy is transformed into heat energy, then to kinetic energy in the turbines, and then to electrical energy.

1. Chemical energy to heat energy: Initially, the chemical energy stored in coal is converted into heat energy through combustion (burning) in the power plant's furnace. This heat is used to boil water and create steam.

2. Heat energy to kinetic energy in the turbines: The steam produced from boiling water is directed towards the turbine. The high-pressure steam flows through the turbine blades, causing them to spin. This spinning motion converts the heat energy of the steam into kinetic energy in the rotating turbine.

3. Kinetic energy in the turbines to electrical energy: As the turbine blades rotate, they are connected to a generator. The kinetic energy of the spinning turbine is then converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction in the generator. This electrical energy is what is eventually transmitted to homes and businesses for use.

This transformation process showcases how energy changes form at each step, from the initial chemical energy in coal to the final electrical energy that powers our daily lives.