What occurs when cavitation happens in a pump?

Cavitation in a pump refers to a phenomenon where the pressure of the liquid drops below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles within the pump. These vapor bubbles are the result of low pressure conditions that allow the liquid to transition into the vapor phase. Once these bubbles pass into regions of higher pressure within the pump, they collapse violently. This implosion can cause significant damage to the pump components and reduce overall efficiency.

Understanding this process is crucial for maintaining pump performance and preventing damage. It highlights the importance of monitoring pressure levels and ensuring that a pump operates within its designed pressure range to avoid cavitation. Other options, while relevant to pump operations, do not accurately describe the specific mechanism of cavitation. For instance, excessive water pressure or engine overheating refers to different operational issues that may arise in a pump system but do not occur as a direct consequence of cavitation.