Question

If the efficiency of a coal-fired electrical generating plant is 35%, then what do we mean when we say that energy is a conserved quantity?

a) Energy is not conserved in the plant.
b) Only 35% of the energy is conserved.
c) Energy is conserved within the plant's operations.
d) Energy is conserved, but not efficiently.

Answer 1

When we say that energy is a conserved quantity, it means that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The 35% efficiency of a coal-fired electrical generating plant refers to the amount of input energy that is converted into useful electrical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we say that energy is a conserved quantity, it means that energy cannot be created or destroyed. When we say that energy is a conserved quantity, it means that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The 35% efficiency of a coal-fired electrical generating plant refers to the amount of input energy that is converted into useful electrical energy.

In the context of a coal-fired electrical generating plant, the 35% efficiency refers to the percentage of input energy that is converted into useful electrical energy. The remaining 65% is lost as waste heat, which is transferred to the environment. However, the total amount of energy in the system remains constant.