---

Question 1:

What is the primary fuel used in thermal power plants?

A) Natural gas
B) Biomass
C) Coal
D) Solar energy

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is C) Coal. Thermal power plants primarily use coal as a fuel for electricity generation. The coal is burned in a boiler to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. The heat energy from burning coal is converted into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.

---

Question 2:

What is the purpose of a cooling tower in a thermal power plant?

A) To generate steam
B) To cool the condenser
C) To store coal
D) To convert solar energy into electricity

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is B) To cool the condenser. In a thermal power plant, the cooling tower is used to cool the condenser. The condenser receives high-pressure steam from the turbine and converts it back into water. The cooling tower helps remove heat from the condenser by transferring it to the atmosphere, allowing the steam to condense and be reused in the boiler.

---

Question 3:

What is the function of a turbine in a thermal power plant?

A) To burn fuel
B) To generate steam
C) To convert heat energy into mechanical energy
D) To store electrical energy

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is C) To convert heat energy into mechanical energy. The turbine in a thermal power plant is responsible for converting the heat energy from the steam into mechanical energy. The high-pressure steam from the boiler passes through the turbine, causing the turbine blades to rotate. This rotation is used to drive the generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

---

Question 4:

What is the purpose of a condenser in a thermal power plant?

A) To generate steam
B) To convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
C) To cool the turbine
D) To convert steam into water

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) To convert steam into water. The condenser in a thermal power plant is responsible for converting the steam from the turbine exhaust into water. It accomplishes this by transferring heat from the steam to a cooling medium, typically water from a cooling tower. The condensed water is then returned to the boiler for reuse in the steam generation process.

---

Question 5:

What is the main environmental concern associated with thermal power plants?

A) Noise pollution
B) Water scarcity
C) Soil erosion
D) Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Thermal power plants, especially those using fossil fuels like coal, emit air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, smog, and health issues. Additionally, the combustion of fossil fuels in thermal power plants releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.