How does a refrigerant alter its state in the evaporation process?

In the evaporation process, a refrigerant undergoes a state change from liquid to gas as it absorbs heat. This phase change is critical in refrigeration systems because it allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the environment or from the substance being cooled, such as food in a refrigerator.

When the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil in a liquid state, it absorbs energy in the form of heat from the surrounding area. As it absorbs this heat, the temperature of the refrigerant rises, leading to a phase transition where it transforms into vapor. This process is essential for the cooling effect in refrigeration systems, as the absorption of heat results in a decrease in the temperature of the space being cooled.

The other options do not accurately describe what occurs in the evaporation process. The refrigerant remains a liquid until it absorbs sufficient heat to initiate the phase change, and it does not change from gas to liquid nor remain in a liquid state during this process. Additionally, the refrigerant gains heat rather than losing temperature and pressure in the evaporation phase.