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Coal is burned in powerplants in order to release massive amounts of HEAT energy which boils large amounts of water, creating vast amounts of very hot steam. This steam rises, spins a turbine, and through applying the principles of electromagnetism, this KINETIC energy of the spinning turbine is converted into (usually) three phase alternating current ELECTRICAL energy.

The voltage being generated would then be increased through step up Transformers, distributed far and wide on HV transmission lines, stepped down again to lower voltages, and supplied to customers for their use.

There are losses of energy at all steps. Efficiency is the goal.

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Related Questions

Why is coal used for electricity?

When coal burns, it produces heat. This can be converted to other forms of energy.


How energy is coal converted to electricity?

Electricity from coal is the electric power made from the energy stored in coal. Carbon, made from ancient plant material, gives coal most of its energy. This energy is released when coal is burned.


When coal is burned energy is being converted to energy?

When coal is burned, chemical energy stored in the coal is converted into heat energy. This heat energy is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.


What do people use coal for?

Coal is used as a heating fuel, and to generate steam for electrical power plants. About 45% of the electricity in the US comes from coal. Coal (converted to coke) is a necessary ingredient in making steel.


What do we use coal for?

Coal is primarily used for electricity generation and steel production. It is a fossil fuel that is burned to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity in power plants. Additionally, coal is a key ingredient in the process of making steel, where it is used as a source of carbon and heat energy to smelt iron ore.


What form of energy does coal make?

Energy cannot be 'made' or 'destroyed'. It can simply be transformed to a different type of energy. Coal contains chemical energy, which will for example, be converted to heat energy in say a coal fired industrial boiler.


What types of energy are in coal?

The main types of energy in coal are chemical energy, which is released when coal is burned, and potential energy stored within the coal itself. When coal is burned, the chemical energy is converted into thermal energy, which can be used for generating electricity or heating.


How does coal help?

Coal is a fossil fuel that is used primarily for electricity generation and steel production. It burns to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity through turbines. However, the use of coal is a major contributor to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.


How do you get electrictiy from coal?

You cannot get electricity from coal. Electricity and coal are two very different types of material.


When coal is burned chemical energy changes to thermal energy?

Yes, when coal is burned, the chemical energy stored in the coal is converted into thermal energy in the form of heat. This heat can then be used to produce steam, which can drive turbines to generate electricity.


Is coal a good producer of electricity?

yes coal is a good producer of electricity.


Which is the least sustainable practice?

Using coal to generate electricity. (APEX)