What happens to steam when it is exhausted from a turbine?

When steam is exhausted from a turbine, it generally condenses back to water. This process is a critical part of thermodynamic cycles, particularly in steam power plants. After performing work in the turbine, where it expands and transfers energy, the steam exits the turbine at a lower pressure and temperature.

Once the steam leaves the turbine, it is typically routed to a condenser, where it comes into contact with cool surfaces, often involving water from another source. This cooling leads to a phase change, where steam loses energy and condenses to water. The condensed water, known as condensate, is then usually pumped back to a boiler to be heated again, making the process more efficient and allowing for the recycling of water.

This phase change is crucial because it helps maintain the pressure within the steam cycle and ensures continuous operation. In contrast, if steam were to cool and escape into the atmosphere, it would represent a loss of energy and efficiency, and if it simply fuels the next cycle without condensing, that would not represent the common operational method. Creating a vacuum in the steam line, while necessary for efficient operation, does not directly describe the outcome of steam exhaust from the turbine itself.