Final answer:
This Physics-related question involves calculating electricity production from coal and discussing the efficiency and environmental impact of coal-fired power plants. The plants are noted for high CO2 emissions and significant heat transfer to the environment, which aligns with their status as the least efficient fossil fuel in terms of CO2 emissions per unit of energy output.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question pertains to Physics, specifically concerning energy production and efficiency of coal-fired power plants. Given that a ton of coal produces 2,460 kilowatt-hours of electricity and that the power plant has 4 tons of coal, we can calculate the total energy production as well as discuss the environmental implications.
For instance, with the provided data, it's possible to determine how much electricity is reserved for lighting and compare the energy production to average power output data from larger scale plants. The plant's energy efficiency and its carbon dioxide emissions can be calculated relative to the mentioned figures, such as the 370,000 metric tons of CO2 produced daily, and the overall contribution to global emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Coal-fired power plants are known for producing the greatest amount of CO2 per unit energy output, which influences their ranking as the least efficient among fossil fuel power sources.
Additionally, heat transfer to the environment from these plants, accounting for 59.2% of the energy based on a 42% efficiency rate, contributes to the warming of bodies of water and the planet as a whole. Furthermore, the underutilization of waste heat transfer due to low energy costs reflects both economic and environmental challenges associated with these power plants.