What is the primary function of a steam turbine?

What is the primary function of a steam turbine?

• A. To convert mechanical energy into heat energy
• B. To convert heat energy into mechanical energy
• C. To store energy for future use
• D. To cool fluids in industrial processes

Answer: (B)

The primary function of a steam turbine is to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. This process occurs when steam, generated by heated water, passes through the turbine blades. As the high-pressure steam expands and moves through the turbine, it imparts energy to the blades, causing them to spin. This rotational motion is then harnessed to generate electricity or provide mechanical power for various applications. The efficiency of steam turbines in converting thermal energy to mechanical work makes them vital components in power generation plants, where they transform the heat energy produced from burning fuels or nuclear reactions into viable mechanical energy, which is ultimately converted into electrical energy. The other options are not aligned with the primary function of a steam turbine. Converting mechanical energy into heat energy does not describe the turbine's process, and energy storage is not a function of a steam turbine, as they operate in real time, using the thermal energy immediately. Cooling fluids is also unrelated, as steam turbines are designed to operate with high-temperature steam, not to manage temperature reduction in cooling applications.

The primary function of a steam turbine is to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. This process occurs when steam, generated by heated water, passes through the turbine blades. As the high-pressure steam expands and moves through the turbine, it imparts energy to the blades, causing them to spin. This rotational motion is then harnessed to generate electricity or provide mechanical power for various applications.

The efficiency of steam turbines in converting thermal energy to mechanical work makes them vital components in power generation plants, where they transform the heat energy produced from burning fuels or nuclear reactions into viable mechanical energy, which is ultimately converted into electrical energy.

The other options are not aligned with the primary function of a steam turbine. Converting mechanical energy into heat energy does not describe the turbine's process, and energy storage is not a function of a steam turbine, as they operate in real time, using the thermal energy immediately. Cooling fluids is also unrelated, as steam turbines are designed to operate with high-temperature steam, not to manage temperature reduction in cooling applications.