The divergent area of the exhaust duct aids in what process?

Correct Answer: Option A — Increasing the volume of the exhaust gases.

Exhaust ducts utilize a divergent shape to convert high-velocity kinetic energy into static pressure. According to the principles of the Brayton cycle, this expansion allows the exhaust gases to increase in volume as they decelerate, facilitating efficient discharge from the engine while minimizing backpressure on the turbine stages.