What is the purpose of pulverizing coal?

Pulverizing coal primarily serves to facilitate a more efficient combustion process. When coal is ground into a fine powder, it has a larger surface area relative to its volume. This increased surface area allows for more effective contact between the coal particles and oxygen in the combustion air, leading to a more complete and efficient burning process.

Through complete combustion, the energy content of the coal is maximized, resulting in improved thermal efficiency in steam generation and reduced emissions of unburned carbon and other pollutants. This process is crucial in power plants and industrial applications where combustion efficiency is key to operational performance and environmental compliance.

While the other potential benefits of pulverizing coal, such as reducing ash production or enhancing storage, may be secondary effects or considerations, the fundamental purpose directly tied to combustion is the increased contact area with oxygen, which is why this option is the most accurate representation of pulverizing coal's primary function.