Impeller Vs. Propeller: Differences, How To Tell Them Apart?

Impeller and propeller are perfect examples of rhyming words as they end with the same syllables. However, do these words have more in common besides this? Find out about this and more in the impeller vs. propeller overview below.

An impeller is a rotor or part of a pump setup that creates an inherent sucking force. In contrast, a propeller is a fan-shaped device that drives out a fluid by pushing against it. Both devices are essential for functioning machines like a boat as they provide thrust. However, they operate differently.

If you have studied motion and different types of fans, you probably have encountered the words “propeller” and “impeller.” If so, you know that these terms can be confusing. Read on to learn more about these words, their definitions, differences, and applications in sentences.

Definitions Of Impeller And Propeller

Impeller and propeller are similar sounding words. But their similarities go beyond their sound or pronunciation. Additionally, as similar as they are, distinct elements set them apart. The best way to discover the similarities and differences between the words “impeller” and “propeller” is to look at their definitions keenly. So, we researched definitions from various online and offline sources to prepare the content below.

Definition Of Impeller

An impeller is a blade or rotor that creates an inherent sucking force. It is usually part of a centrifugal pump, blower, turbine, or fluid coupling system. For example, in a sentence, “All effective pump setups consist of an impeller.”

Another definition of an impeller is a rotor used to increase a liquid’s pressure or flow. It is essentially the opposite of a turbine. For example, “An impeller is the only device you need to buy today.”

In a boat, an impeller is a component made up of a series of flexible rubber vanes connected to a central hub that rotates around a stainless-steel liner within a pump. The impeller pumps cold water into the boat’s engine to cool it down.

So, most ships have an impeller within their water pumps. It moves the fluid by rotation force. Let’s look at a sentence example: “An impeller brings water from outside into a boat’s plumbing system.”

You can also refer to an impeller as a device turned by water flow past a ship’s hull that measures speed or distance. In a sentence, “The impeller gave the fishermen false speed and distance readings.”

Do you know that an impeller is also something or someone that impels? To impel is to drive forward, urge a person, press on, or incite action or motion through intrinsic motivation or driving. For example, in a sentence, “James is the best impeller I have ever met.”

Definition Of Propeller

A propeller is a rotating fan on both sides of a ship that helps it propel forward. Propellers feature an open running device that provides a thrust force. Here is an example in a sentence, “The ship stopped moving after the rock damaged its propeller.”

You can also refer to it as a revolving hub with rotating blades that helps propel a plane or ship. Propellers function by pushing air or water behind through a sucking force that the rotation motion creates. In a sentence, “A propeller applies Newton’s law of motion to function.”

Another definition of a propeller is a person or an item that propels. To propel means to cause something to move in a certain direction or make it arrive at a particular situation. An example sentence is, “Jane is the propeller in our new investment group.”

How To Properly Use Impeller And Propeller In A Sentence

Now that you know the definitions of these words let’s move forward to how you can use them in sentences. Below are some guiding tips:

How To Use The Word Impeller

Use this word as a noun in the following contexts:

• To refer to something or someone that impels. For example, “The impeller worked perfectly before the accident.”
• To refer to a device on a ship that is usually part of a pump. In a sentence, “The pump’s impeller cost us hundreds of dollars to repair.”

Since this word is a countable noun, you can use its plural form (impellers). For example, in a sentence, “The new impellers work as if they were the original ones.”

How To Use The Word Propeller

Use this word as a noun in the following contexts:

• To refer to a mechanical device that rotates on a shaft to push against air or water. In a sentence, “Timothy worked on the propeller shafts all night.”
• To refer to a rotating blade that helps a vessel move through water or air. For example, “You should check the propeller often for any visible damages.”
• To refer to a person or item that propels (forces something to move towards a certain direction). For example, “Rita refuses to be the group’s propeller for the rest of the semester.”

You can also use the word “propellers” as the plural for this noun. However, make sure the context suits the word. A good example in plural form is, “The propellers failed because they were overworked.”

Impeller Vs. Propeller: More Differences

Impellers and propellers are similar because they both use water to create energy. Additionally, they need a motor to function, and their rotation actions move water. However, these words also have differences.

The primary difference between an impeller and a propeller is their purpose. Propellers help move vessels like boats and aircraft. Therefore, you can accelerate or decelerate them. In contrast, an impeller is a part of a boat’s cooling system. Its role is to bring water into the engine for cooling.

Another difference is that an impeller has a forward turning movement, while a propeller has a clockwise rotation. Also, an impeller generates pressure and can measure a boat’s travel distance and speed, while a propeller generates water propulsion. In addition, an impeller features vanes, while a propeller consists of blades.

List Of Examples Of Impeller And Propeller Use In Sentences

Propeller and impeller are nouns and among the easiest words to use in sentences. However, if this is the first time you have encountered them, you may not know where to start when constructing sentences. Here are a few sentences as examples of how you can apply these words in sentences.

Example sentences of the word impeller

1. Samantha was the impeller the team needed to push them out of their comfort zone and showcase their talents.
2. The mechanic spent hours replacing the broken impeller on the boat.
3. An impeller requires proper maintenance, including frequent lubrication for durability and proper functioning.
4. An impeller is vital to a boat’s pumping and cooling system.
5. The group would not fail if they had an active impeller.

Example sentences of the word propeller

1. The noise from the pump is likely a symptom of an obstruction within the propeller.
2. The airplane lost its propellers and crashed into the ocean after the fire broke out on one of its wings.
3. Jane worked on the propeller shafts with his teammates for the Mars project.
4. Vertical turbines do not use a propeller.
5. The mechanics will have completed their work on the propeller by the end of Spring.

Conclusion

A propeller is a fan-shaped device on a boat that drives out water by pushing against it to help a boat move. In contrast, an impeller is a rotor that increases fluid flow and pressure through a sucking force. From the definitions above, you can tell apart these words. However, the words also have different spellings and pronunciations. Please read each section to understand, and don’t miss anything about these two words.