What does a reaction turbine utilize to produce rotation?

Study for the Massachusetts 3rd Class Engineer Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success on your exam!

A reaction turbine operates on the principle of converting the energy from a fluid into mechanical energy through both pressure and velocity changes. In the context of steam turbines, the correct answer highlights the role of steam as it accelerates through nozzles. As steam exits the nozzles at high speed, it imparts a reaction force on the turbine blades, causing them to rotate. This process is a combination of both pressure and kinetic energy acting on the blades, but the emphasis on the reaction force is crucial as it defines how the turbine harnesses energy not just from the thermal properties of steam but also from its dynamic movement.

Understanding this mechanism is vital, as it distinguishes reaction turbines from impulse turbines, which primarily rely on the momentum of steam jets hitting the blades without utilizing pressure behind the steam. The distinction is significant in turbine design and operation, acknowledging that reaction turbines produce rotational energy as a direct result of the fluid dynamics occurring when steam passes through the turbine system.

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