Which one of the following is not an important energy conversion in a coal-fired power station? A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2006 - Paper 1

In a coal-fired power station, the primary energy conversions involve transforming the energy stored in coal (chemical energy) into usable forms of energy. The process flows as follows:

1. Chemical energy of coal to thermal energy of steam: The combustion of coal releases thermal energy, which heats water to produce steam.
2. Thermal energy of steam to mechanical energy of turbine: The steam drives a turbine, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy.
3. Mechanical energy of turbine to electrical energy from generator: The turbine's mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy by a generator.

However, the conversion from mechanical energy of the turbine back to chemical energy of steam is not a recognized or important process in this energy transformation cycle. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.