What type of energy conversion occurs in a steam turbine?

In a steam turbine, thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy. This process begins when water is heated to produce steam, which possesses high thermal energy. When this steam is directed into the turbine, it expands and causes the turbine blades to rotate. This conversion from thermal energy, resulting from the heat used to create the steam, into mechanical energy is essential for the operation of the turbine, allowing it to perform mechanical work.

The functionality of a steam turbine exemplifies the principles of thermodynamics, where the high-temperature steam's energy is harnessed to spin the turbine, ultimately leading to the generation of electricity when the mechanical energy is coupled with a generator. This understanding of energy conversion is critical in power engineering, especially concerning the efficiency and performance of turbines in power plants.