a. A natural gas-fired power station generates electricity by reacting gaseous methane (CH₄) with oxygen - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 6
a. A natural gas-fired power station generates electricity by reacting gaseous methane (CH₄) with oxygen. List, in order, the energy conversions that take place in t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:a. A natural gas-fired power station generates electricity by reacting gaseous methane (CH₄) with oxygen - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
Energy Conversions
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Answer
The energy conversions that take place in a natural gas-fired power station are as follows:
Chemical Energy: The reaction of methane with oxygen releases chemical energy.
Thermal Energy: This chemical energy is converted into thermal energy during combustion, producing heat.
Mechanical Energy: The thermal energy causes gas expansion which translates into mechanical energy. This is typically observed in the movement of turbines.
Kinetic Energy: The rotating turbines generate kinetic energy.
Electrical Energy: Finally, this kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy via a generator.
Step 2
Give one reason for this difference.
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Answer
Burning methane in a gas power station results in more energy loss due to inefficiencies associated with the greater than one-stage process of combustion, as compared to the more direct energy conversion processes in a fuel cell.
Step 3
State one factor that limits the widespread applications of fuel cells to generate electricity.
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One factor that limits the widespread applications of fuel cells is the higher cost of fuel cells compared to conventional power generation methods.
