In a coal-fired electric generating plant, the coal is pulverized before being mixed with air in the incinerator. Use the collision theory to explain why the coal is pulverized.
The surface area is increased tremendously.
To answer this question, we need to understand the collision theory and how it relates to the coal combustion process in a coal-fired electric generating plant.
The collision theory is a concept in chemistry that explains how chemical reactions occur. According to this theory, for a reaction to take place, reactant particles must collide with enough energy and at the correct orientation.
In the case of coal combustion, the coal needs to react with oxygen in the air to release heat and produce the necessary gases for electricity generation. However, coal is a solid fuel composed of large particles, and these particles have a smaller surface area compared to finely divided particles.
The pulverization of coal in a coal-fired electric generating plant increases its surface area significantly. By grinding the coal into a fine powder or pulverized coal, the number of collision opportunities between the coal particles and oxygen molecules in the air increases.
This increased surface area allows for more frequent and efficient collisions between the coal particles and oxygen, leading to a faster and more complete combustion process. It also enhances heat transfer since a larger surface area allows for more effective heat exchange between the burning coal and the water/steam used in the electricity generation process.
In summary, the pulverization of coal in a coal-fired electric generating plant facilitates the collision between coal particles and oxygen, increasing the surface area available for reaction and improving the efficiency of the combustion process.