What do the stationary nozzles of an impulse turbine convert the thermal energy of the steam into?

The stationary nozzles of an impulse turbine are specifically designed to convert the thermal energy of steam into kinetic energy. When steam passes through these nozzles, it experiences a drop in pressure, which allows it to expand. This expansion accelerates the steam, turning the thermal energy it contains into high-velocity kinetic energy.

As the steam exits the nozzle, it moves at a significantly higher speed, which is then directed onto the turbine blades. The conversion to kinetic energy is critical because it is this high-speed jet of steam that strikes the turbine blades, causing them to rotate and subsequently generating mechanical energy. The efficiency of this energy transformation directly impacts the overall performance of the steam turbine system.

In this context, while the kinetic energy generated is an essential component of overall mechanical energy, the remaining options such as potential and chemical energy are not associated with the function of the impulse turbine nozzles.