In a fluid power system, what component reacts to pressure and performs work?

In a fluid power system, the component that reacts to pressure and performs work is the actuator. Actuators are devices that convert the energy from the fluid power system into mechanical motion. They do this by using the pressure of the fluid, such as hydraulic oil or compressed air, to create movement, whether it be linear or rotary.

When pressurized fluid enters the actuator, it causes the actuator mechanism (like a piston or a motor) to move. This movement can then be used to accomplish tasks such as lifting, pushing, or controlling other components in a system. Actuators are essential for translating the energy stored in the fluid under pressure into useful mechanical work, making them a fundamental part of fluid power systems.

The other components listed serve different purposes. Regulators control and maintain a consistent output pressure but do not perform work directly. Compressors are responsible for increasing the pressure of a fluid but are not involved in providing mechanical output. Accumulators store energy in the form of pressurized fluid for later use, but they do not perform work directly on their own. Therefore, the actuator is the only choice that directly correlates to reacting to pressure and performing work in this context.