Final answer:
The burner in a steam boiler has the purpose of heating water to produce steam that turns the turbine blades in a steam turbine/generator, consequently generating electricity. The steam is then condensed back to water and reused to continue the energy-generating cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the burner in a steam boiler is to produce steam by heating water. This process starts with the burner heating water to create steam, which then travels to impact the turbine blades of a steam turbine/generator. As the steam hits the turbine blades, it causes the shaft to turn, which is directly connected to the generator, thereby generating electricity.
After powering the turbine, the steam is then condensed back into water within a condenser, where it is circulated around cool tubes, before being returned to the steam generator to start the cycle over. This process demonstrates a type of heat engine, where the greatest heat is used in boiling water into steam, and the same amount of heat is released when the steam condenses back to water.