VCAA Coal Question

[tcg93]

Hi,

Can somebody help me with this question.

I thought the earlier stages had least effect since most of their energy is released to heat, but the answer is C, can someone explain why

Thanks

[cameron_15]

As I understand it, it's the order of production that is important.

The generation occurs in 3 stages Chemical > Themal > Mechanical.

At each of these stages, energy is lost, thus, the highest amount of energy will be present as chemical, then thermal, then mechanical as energy is lost in the transition between these phases.