What happens to the velocity of steam as it passes through the nozzles of a Curtis stage?

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

In a Curtis turbine stage, steam flows through nozzles that convert thermal energy into kinetic energy, leading to an increase in velocity. As the pressurized steam enters the nozzles, its pressure drops, which results in an increase in the steam's velocity due to the principles of energy conservation and thermodynamics.

In this context, when steam passes through the nozzle, the potential energy associated with its pressure is transformed into kinetic energy, causing the steam to accelerate. This principle applies specifically to the nozzle design in a Curtis turbine, which is designed to enhance the velocity of the steam as it exits the nozzles and enters the blades for work extraction.

The other choices don't accurately reflect the processes occurring within the nozzle. If the velocity were to decrease, it would not align with the energy transformation principles of turbine operation. A constant velocity would imply no energy conversion, undermining the design purpose of increasing kinetic energy. Lastly, suggesting that the velocity is irrelevant in this stage ignores its central role in optimizing steam flow and turbine efficiency. Thus, the correct conclusion is that the velocity indeed increases as steam passes through the nozzles of a Curtis stage.

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