Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Practice Exam

During the process of condensation in refrigeration, the refrigerant undergoes a transformation from a gas to a liquid. This process typically occurs within the condenser coil of a refrigeration system. As the refrigerant, which is in a gaseous state after passing through the evaporator, enters the condenser, it releases heat to the surrounding environment.

This release of heat occurs because the refrigerant is being compressed, which increases its pressure and temperature. When the gas is cooled, it loses energy and condenses into a liquid state. This step is crucial for the refrigeration cycle as it prepares the refrigerant to be sent back into the evaporator, where it can again absorb heat from indoor air, thus maintaining the cooling effect.

In contrast, the other choices describe processes that do not accurately represent condensation. The change of refrigerant from liquid to gas, the removal of heat from indoor air, and the absorption of heat by surrounding air are all characteristics associated with evaporation or other phases of the refrigeration cycle, rather than condensation. Understanding condensation is essential for grasping how refrigeration systems effectively transfer heat and achieve desired temperatures indoors.