What is the role of the turbine in a power station?

The turbine in a power station plays a crucial role in the conversion of energy. Specifically, its main function is to drive the generator, which is responsible for producing electricity. When fuel is burned or a nuclear reaction occurs, the resulting heat is used to convert water into steam. This high-pressure steam then flows into the turbine, causing it to spin. As the turbine rotates, it is connected to the generator, which consists of coils of wire within a magnetic field. The motion of the turbine generates electricity through electromagnetic induction.

The importance of the turbine lies in its ability to transform thermal energy (from the steam) into mechanical energy (the spinning motion), which is essential for electricity generation. The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of the turbine in a power station. For instance, while cooling of steam occurs in the power generation process, it is not a role of the turbine itself. Instead, cooling systems are separate components within the power station designed to manage excess heat.