Which of the following statements represents the function the nozzle assembly performs in an impulse turbine?

Correct Answer: Option B — Converts the steam's thermal energy into kinetic energy by increasing its velocity and directing it against the rotor blades.

Turbine nozzles in impulse stages convert high-pressure thermal energy into high-velocity kinetic energy. As steam expands through the restricted nozzle passages, pressure drops while velocity increases, directing high-energy fluid against the moving rotor blades to generate rotational force.