What is the basic refrigeration cycle comprised of?

The basic refrigeration cycle is comprised of four main processes: compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. This cycle is fundamental to the operation of refrigeration systems and is responsible for the transfer of heat from a low-temperature area to a high-temperature area, effectively cooling the lower temperature space.

In the compression phase, refrigerant gas is compressed by the compressor, raising its temperature and pressure. The high-pressure gas then moves to the condenser, where it releases heat and condenses into a liquid. This is the condensation phase. Following condensation, the refrigerant is then expanded through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature, transforming it into a low-pressure liquid. This phase is known as expansion. Finally, the refrigerant enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment and evaporates back into a gas, completing the cycle.

This sequential process is essential for the functioning of refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps, as it ensures continuous heat removal from the designated space. Other options do not accurately represent these fundamental processes or include incorrect terms, such as freezing and venting, which are not integral parts of the refrigeration cycle.