What happens to the flow rate when nozzle pressure is increased?

Increasing the nozzle pressure directly affects the flow rate, and in most cases, it results in an increase in flow rate. This relationship is rooted in fluid dynamics; as pressure increases, it pushes the liquid through the nozzle with greater force. This enhanced force results in a higher volume of liquid being expelled in a given time, thereby increasing the flow rate.

In practical terms, when the pressure at the nozzle is raised, the velocity of the fluid exiting the nozzle also rises due to the greater driving force. This is significant in various applications such as irrigation or pesticide application, where precise flow rates are crucial for effective operation.

The reasoning behind the other choices can help clarify why they do not fit. A decrease in flow rate would suggest that an increase in pressure is counterproductive, which contradicts the fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics. If the flow rate remained the same, it would imply that the pressure has no impact on the flow, which is not accurate in practical scenarios where pressure variations directly affect the flow rate. The option stating that it cannot be determined would imply a lack of understanding of the basic principles of fluid dynamics, which clearly demonstrate that higher pressures indeed yield higher flow rates under typical conditions.