What principle is utilized by Archimedes’ screw?

The principle utilized by Archimedes' screw is based on its helical design, which efficiently lifts water upward. This ancient device consists of a spiral or helical surface wrapped around a central shaft, allowing water to be moved from a lower elevation to a higher one when the screw is rotated. The rotation creates a displacement of water within the spirals, effectively drawing it upwards.

This design is specifically tailored to harness the gravitational force acting on the water, promoting an efficient lift without the need for complex mechanical systems. The simplicity and effectiveness of this principle highlight one of the fundamental understandings of fluid mechanics as applied in practical engineering.

While options that suggest generating electricity, compressing fluids, or reducing friction present different mechanical concepts, they do not align with the primary function of the Archimedes screw, which is solely focused on lifting water.