What occurs when nozzles wear out over time?

When nozzles wear out over time, significant changes occur in their performance characteristics. As the nozzle material erodes, the opening becomes wider, which can lead to an increase in flow rates. Specifically, when the nozzle's orifice enlarges due to wear, it allows a greater volume of liquid to pass through. This increased flow can sometimes result in unintended application rates, meaning that the amount being sprayed may exceed the desired quantity.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of nozzle wear. Flow rates decreasing would typically occur if a nozzle was clogged rather than worn. Stabilization of droplet size is not a typical outcome of wear; instead, a worn nozzle may lead to irregular droplet sizes. Finally, while applications may become more imprecise due to inconsistent flow rates and altered droplet sizes, precision would not generally improve through wear. Therefore, understanding the mechanics behind nozzle wear clarifies why flow rates may increase as a key outcome.