What principle describes the operation of a centrifugal pump?

A centrifugal pump operates primarily based on the principle of kinetic energy generated by a rotating impeller. As the impeller spins within the pump casing, it imparts kinetic energy to the fluid. This energy increases the fluid's velocity, converting it into pressure energy as it exits the pump through the discharge outlet. The design of the impeller, along with the surrounding casing, helps facilitate this energy transfer efficiently, allowing the pump to move liquids through pipes and systems effectively.

The other principles mentioned do not accurately characterize the function of a centrifugal pump. Thermal energy, while essential in some pump types, is not a key factor for centrifugal pumps, which rely on fluid motion instead. Gravity is not used as a primary force in centrifugal pump operation, as these pumps are designed to produce flow through kinetic energy rather than relying on gravitational pull. Pneumatic pressure involves gas, rather than liquid, and does not apply to the operation of centrifugal pumps that are designed specifically for liquids. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the critical role of kinetic energy in the operational function of centrifugal pumps.