🔍 Key Concepts

• Look closely at the spool inside the valve body and count how many distinct operating positions it appears to have. • Notice the actuator type on the left side of the valve (lever and plunger) and whether you see any springs returning the spool to center. • Compare what you see to the difference between rotary valves (turning motion) and sliding-spool directional control valves (back‑and‑forth motion).

💭 Think About

• Does the internal spool look like it rotates in a circle, or slides linearly left and right? How does that help you remove one of the choices? • Can you see any central or end springs that would automatically push the spool back to a center position when the lever is released? If not, what kind of holding mechanism might be present? • Based on the visible lands and grooves on the spool, how many flow paths (positions) do you think the valve can select?

✅ Before You Answer

• Eliminate any answer that requires a rotary motion if the illustration clearly shows a sliding spool. • Check carefully for springs in the center section of the valve versus small detent mechanisms (like balls and grooves) near the ends. • Before choosing, be sure your pick matches both the number of spool positions and the method used to hold or return the handle (spring‑centered vs. detented).