Circulating water passes through a surface condenser ________.

The correct answer is that circulating water passes through a surface condenser inside the tubes. In a surface condenser, the steam from the turbine flows over the outside of the tubes, while the circulating water moves within the tubes. This configuration allows for efficient heat transfer, as the heat from the steam is transferred to the circulating water, causing the steam to condense into water. The design is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of the condensation process and ensuring a steady supply of cooled water, which is then recycled back into the system to absorb heat again.

The concept of using tubes and circulating water inside them is fundamental in thermal systems, where maintaining the integrity of the heat exchange process is essential for overall operational efficiency.