What type of pump uses rotational motion to move liquids?

The correct answer is a rotary pump, which utilizes rotational motion to move liquids. Its design typically includes an impeller or a rotating mechanism that draws the fluid into the pump and then pushes it out, leveraging centrifugal or positive displacement action to create flow. This method is advantageous for handling various types of fluids, including those that are viscous or abrasive, and provides a continuous flow, making rotary pumps suitable for many applications in refrigeration and other industrial settings.

Centrifugal pumps also employ rotational motion to move fluids but are not classified under the same categories as rotary pumps. They specifically convert rotational energy into kinetic energy through a rotating impeller, which differs from the broader category of rotary pumps.

Reciprocating and piston pumps rely on linear motion rather than rotational motion to transport liquids. These types of pumps operate by creating a suction effect that draws fluid into a chamber, which is then expelled, and are typically used where high pressure is required rather than continuous flow.