You start the discharge operation with the assistance of a booster pump, and in a few minutes the pressure drops sharply. This could be a result of what?

The scenario described involves a pressure drop in the system shortly after starting the discharge operation with the assistance of a booster pump.

When evaluating the options, the correct reasoning points to the fact that if the booster pump is functioning properly and aligning correctly in the system, it should maintain or increase the discharge pressure rather than causing a drop. A properly functioning booster pump will enhance the flow rate and pressure by effectively moving the liquid through the discharge line. Therefore, if the pressure drops sharply when the discharge operation is started, it suggests that the booster pump is not functioning optimally — not that it is discharging properly.

In this context, the other options illustrate possible issues with the pump or configuration that might lead to a drop in pressure. A pump speeding up could theoretically increase pressure, while a pump failing to start or being lined up incorrectly would also result in a decrease in pressure. All these scenarios support the conclusion that it's unlikely for the pressure to drop when the booster pump is properly lined up and functioning as expected. Hence, while the answer indicates that the booster pump is discharging properly, that contradicts the observed pressure drop, reinforcing an understanding that proper function of the booster pump typically aids in maintaining system pressure.