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Which valve offers very little resistance to flow?

  1. Gate

  2. Globe

  3. Check

  4. Ball

The correct answer is: Gate

The gate valve is designed to provide minimal resistance to fluid flow when fully open, making it highly efficient for applications where straight-line flow and low friction loss are desired. Its internal structure consists of a wedge or gate that moves up and down, allowing fluid to pass through with ease when the valve is in the open position. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in systems where full flow is required, such as in pipelines, because it helps maintain system pressure and reduces energy loss. In contrast, other types of valves, such as globe or check valves, typically create more turbulence and resistance due to their design, which can restrict flow even when fully open. Therefore, within the context of flow resistance, the gate valve stands out as the best option due to its operating principle that minimizes obstruction to fluid movement.