bubbleponic clarity

im having a little trouble getting my head around exactly how a bubbleponic system works. there is a basin, which holds the water/nutrient solution. which is then pumped to the baskets? are the bubbles supposed to "water" the roots too? or just aerate the water? can the bubbles be used to feed the roots in small containers or does there need to be a "stream" to the basket? do the water and air pumps run continuously?

i think thats all my brain is having trouble with. thanks in advance