What best describes the function of ducts in a mechanical system?

The function of ducts in a mechanical system is primarily to transport air from one location to another. This role of air conveyance is crucial in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, where ducts facilitate the movement of air through the system to ensure consistent temperatures and air quality within spaces.

Ducts are designed to carry conditioned air (which may be heated, cooled, or maintained at ambient temperature) to various parts of a building, ensuring that spaces receive the appropriate airflow needed for comfort and efficiency. The construction and layout of these ducts directly influence the system's effectiveness, including aspects like noise levels and air pressure.

While ducts may be involved in air filtration, air cooling, and ventilation processes, these functions are secondary to their primary purpose of conveying air. An air filtration system may utilize ducts to transport air that has been filtered, while air cooling can occur within a system that has ductwork, but the ducts themselves serve the main role of moving air rather than directly cooling or filtering it. Similarly, while ducts can contribute to ventilation, it is through their conveyance role that this function is achieved. Thus, the correct answer accurately emphasizes the ducts' fundamental purpose in a mechanical system.