What will happen to the directional control valve in the circuit if no pushbutton is pressed?

The correct understanding of the behavior of a directional control valve in a circuit when no pushbutton is pressed is that the valve remains in the retracted end position. In hydraulic and pneumatic systems, the directional control valve typically operates based on input signals such as pushbuttons or switches. When no signal is provided—meaning no pushbutton is pressed—the valve will maintain its last position.

In many systems, this is often designed to ensure safety and stability, as it helps prevent unintended movements of actuators or pistons. Therefore, the default state of the valve is to hold its position until it receives a command to move, which reflects the idea that without an external input, the system remains static.

The other options suggest actions or movements that would occur without any input, which is not typical for a directional control valve operating correctly. The design of such valves aims for stability in the absence of commands, making the choice that it remains in the retracted end position the most appropriate.