What happens to the gears in a gear-type pump during operation?

In a gear-type pump, the gears play a crucial role in the movement and delivery of fluid. As the gears rotate, they create a vacuum at the inlet side of the pump, allowing fluid to be drawn into the spaces between the teeth of the gears. This action effectively 'traps' the fluid, and as the gears continue to rotate, they push the fluid out through the outlet port. The movement is continuous and creates a steady flow of fluid as the gears mesh together with precise timing. This mechanism is fundamental to the operation of gear pumps, making the delivery of fluid efficient and consistent.

The other options describe processes that do not accurately reflect the functionality of gear pumps. For example, separating and compressing fluid does not occur in gear-type pumps; the primary function is to move rather than compress. Expanding to increase pressure refers to different mechanisms than those employed in gear-type pumps, which rely on positive displacement. Oscillation to regulate flow would be more aligned with specific types of pumps such as diaphragm pumps, but is not characteristic of the continuous rotation seen in gear-type designs.