What is the basic principle of operation for a steam turbine?

The basic principle of operation for a steam turbine is to convert steam energy into mechanical energy. In a steam turbine, high-pressure steam enters the turbine and expands, causing the blades to spin. This spinning motion is a direct transformation of the thermal energy in the steam into kinetic energy, which can then be harnessed to produce electricity or drive machinery.

This operation is integral in power plants, where steam turbines are often linked to generators, allowing the mechanical energy produced by the turbine to be converted into electrical energy. Understanding this principle is essential, as it highlights the efficiency and functionality of steam as a working fluid in energy generation.

Other alternatives mentioned do not align with the primary operation of a steam turbine. For instance, storing steam, cooling it into water, or filtering impurities focuses on different aspects of thermal systems rather than the core function of harnessing steam's energy to provide mechanical output.