35. In two or three well-developed paragraphs, explain how fossil fuels are used to generate electricity in an electric power plant.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, play a significant role in generating electricity in power plants. The process typically begins with the combustion of these fossil fuels. In the case of coal or oil, they are first pulverized into a fine powder, while natural gas is mixed with air. This fuel mixture is then ignited, resulting in the production of high-pressure steam.
The steam is directed towards a turbine, a large rotating machine with blades. As the steam flows over the blades, it causes them to spin rapidly. This rotational movement of the turbine then drives a generator, which is essentially a large electromagnet surrounded by coils of wire. As the generator spins, it induces an electric current in the wire coils, thereby creating electricity.
After the steam passes through the turbine, it is condensed back into water by passing it through a cooling system. This condensed water is treated and reused to create more steam, making the process more efficient. The electricity generated by the generator is then transmitted through power lines at high voltages to homes, businesses, and industries, where it can be utilized by various electrical devices.
Overall, fossil fuels are utilized in electric power plants to generate electricity through the combustion of coal, natural gas, or oil, which produces high-pressure steam. This steam drives a turbine, which in turn powers a generator to produce electrical energy. The process ensures a steady supply of electricity, which is crucial for meeting the power demands in our daily lives.