Which statement best explains why the cylinder moves faster when the accumulator is used with the pump?

• A. The accumulator provides an additional supply of hydraulic oil to the cylinder, causing it to move faster.
• B. The accumulator increases the pump pressure at all times.
• C. The accumulator reduces oil temperature, lowering viscosity.
• D. The accumulator filters contaminants from the oil, smoothing operation.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that an accumulator stores pressurized hydraulic fluid and can deliver extra flow to the cylinder when needed. When the cylinder requires a quick push, the pump may limit speed due to its steady flow rate. The accumulator can release additional oil rapidly, increasing the instantaneous flow to the cylinder and letting it move faster. This boost comes from the stored energy in the accumulator, not from a continuous rise in pump pressure. It also isn’t primarily about reducing temperature or filtering oil, so those options don’t explain the speed increase.