Question

what change of energy occurs between the steam generator and the turbine?
○ chemical energy is converted into nuclear energy.
○ nuclear energy is converted into thermal energy.
○ thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy.
○ mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: Chemical energy to nuclear energy conversion is not related to steam generator - turbine process, so this is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: Nuclear to thermal energy conversion typically happens in the reactor (not between steam generator and turbine), so this is incorrect.
3. Analyze the third option: In a power plant, steam generator produces steam (thermal energy in steam), and the turbine uses this steam to rotate (converting thermal energy of steam to mechanical energy of turbine), so this is correct.
4. Analyze the fourth option: Mechanical to electrical energy conversion happens in the generator (after turbine), not between steam generator and turbine, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy.