What principle does a centrifugal pump operate on?

A centrifugal pump operates on the principle of converting rotational energy into kinetic energy. This is achieved through the pump's impeller, which rotates at high speed. As the impeller spins, it imparts velocity to the fluid, generating kinetic energy. This increase in velocity is then converted into pressure energy as the fluid moves through the pump and into the discharge pipe.

In essence, the design of a centrifugal pump enables it to efficiently transfer energy from the motor to the fluid. The rotational motion of the impeller not only accelerates the fluid but also creates a pressure differential that facilitates the flow of the fluid from the pump's inlet to the outlet. This process is fundamental to the operation of centrifugal pumps across various applications, making option B the accurate description of their functioning.