In a refrigeration cycle, what happens to refrigerant as it passes through the condenser?

During the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant undergoes significant changes as it moves through various components, including the condenser. As the refrigerant enters the condenser in a vapor state, it is under high pressure and cools down as it releases heat to the surrounding environment. This heat rejection occurs because the refrigerant is passing through a series of coils or fins that enable efficient heat transfer.

As the refrigerant releases heat, it transitions from a vapor to a liquid state, completing the condensation process. This phase change is essential for the overall efficiency of the refrigeration cycle, allowing the refrigerant to be ready for the next stage, which is to expand and evaporate in the evaporator, absorbing heat from the area being cooled.

The process of the refrigerant releasing heat and condensing is critical for maintaining the cycle's effectiveness, and this is why the choice indicating that it releases heat and condenses is the correct response.