What type of power plant burns coal and contributes to air pollution?a...
Thermal power plants burn coal to generate electricity, but unfortunately, this process contributes to air pollution. The burning of coal releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, making it a significant environmental concern associated with this method of power generation.
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What type of power plant burns coal and contributes to air pollution?a...
Understanding Thermal Power Plants
Thermal power plants are facilities that generate electricity by converting heat energy into electrical energy. This process often involves the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
How Thermal Power Plants Work
- Fuel Combustion: The primary fuel, in this case, coal, is burned in a furnace.
- Heat Generation: The burning coal produces heat, which is used to convert water into steam.
- Energy Conversion: The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
Impact on Air Pollution
- Emissions: When coal is burned, it releases a variety of pollutants, including:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Particulate matter
- Environmental Effects: These emissions contribute to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems, acid rain, and climate change.
Comparison with Other Power Plants
- Geothermal Power Plants: Utilize heat from the Earth's interior and have minimal emissions.
- Solar Power Plants: Convert sunlight directly into electricity, producing no air pollutants.
- Hydroelectric Power Plants: Generate electricity using water flow, also resulting in low emissions.
In summary, thermal power plants, especially those that burn coal, significantly contribute to air pollution due to the harmful emissions released during the combustion process. This makes option 'D' the correct answer when identifying a type of power plant that burns coal and affects air quality negatively.