5. Electricity Generation
1. Heat is created
Before the coal is burned, it is crushed to the consistency of talcum powder. Then it is mixed with hot air and blown into the boiler. The coal and air mixture creates the most complete burn possible.
2. Water turns to steam
The cleansed water is pumped through pipes inside the boiler and turned into steam by the heat. The steam can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressure up to 3,500 pounds per square inch.
3. Steam turns the turbine
The pressure of the steam rises into the turbines and forces them to spin. Creating electricity via kinetic energy.
4. Steam turns back into water
After powering the turbine, the steam is condensed in a condenser. Cool water is pumped through a network of tubes running through the condenser. The cool water in the tubes converts the steam back into water that can be used over and over again in the plant.
Natural Gas- The gas is burned, then heat and gas created rises up to a turbine forcing it to spin, as it spins, mechanical energy is created which is then converted to electricity. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel.
Nuclear Power Plants- Fission(the splitting of a uranium atom) creates energy, which in turn, is used to create steam that rises up into a turbine, causing to spin. The spinning of the turbine creates mechanical and kinetic energy which is then turned into electricity. Nuclear power is a low pollutant and the waste can be disposed of in a clean manner.
All of these forms of power generation require kinetic and mechanical energy, the principle of creating force is converting one type of energy to another, turbines are a common theme because they are also used for hydro energy.
https://www.duke-energy.com/about-energy/generating-electricity/coal-fired-how.asp
https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/about-us/programs-services/energy-generation/natural-gas.html
http://www.triplepundit.com/special/energy-options-pros-and-cons/natural-gas-pros-cons/