Which statement is true regarding bearings used in high-powered reciprocating aircraft engines?

The statement regarding bearings in high-powered reciprocating aircraft engines being that there is less rolling friction when ball bearings are used than when roller bearings are employed is accurate. Ball bearings are designed to reduce friction by using spherical balls that allow for smooth rotational movement. The contact area between the balls and the inner and outer races is relatively small, which results in decreased rolling resistance compared to roller bearings, which use cylindrical rollers. Although roller bearings can carry larger loads due to their greater surface area contact, they typically introduce more rolling friction, making them less efficient in some high-speed applications.

In high-powered reciprocating aircraft engines, efficiency is crucial, and the lower rolling friction provided by ball bearings can enhance overall performance and energy efficiency. Therefore, ball bearings are frequently preferred in applications where speed and low friction are imperative, especially in scenarios requiring high performance and reliability.