Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,I am munnyastrophia123.My question is:
Suppose we had taken some papers and burnt them.Then How can we change that heat energy into electrical energy? Is it posible in easy way?

Please I want accuate answer!

That's a good question. In large electric generators the heat is obtained from natural gas, coal or nuclear energy. They could use paper but heat from paper is very inefficient and the ash is messy. However, in most large generators the heat is used to power a steam generator which in turn produces the electricity. In smaller generators natural gas can run an engine connected to a generator which produces electricity. Today, natural gas is probably the least expensive fuel for a generator. I hope that answers your question.

munnyastrophia123 wrote:Please I want accuate answer!

Accuracy is relative and never independently absolute.

Electrical energy comes in many forms and quantities. You didn't specify what use you wanted to put the electrical energy to so there are a wide range of possibilities. Some easy, some definitely not easy.

A multi-junction thermocouple built in a circle with the "hot" junctions in the middle and the cold junctions on the outside can be used as a domonstration. Typically a candle is burned in the middle to provide the heat source and a flash light bulb is lighted as a result. Papers wrapped tightly could replace the candle. This is easy but not efficient.

Some cities incinerate their garbage using some natural gas to increase the temperature to reduce smoke and unburned components. These incinerators often convert the heat to steam, first using the steam to power a small electrical generator that typically produces enough power to operate the plant, and using the left over lower temperature steam to heat nearby buildings. This is complicated; however, it does solve the "what do we do with our garbage" or at least the 60 percent of trash that can be incinerated.

Thanks Sir Gerry Gruenbaum and Sir Craig for helping me by answering my question.