What is the definition of pressure in a refrigeration context?

In the context of refrigeration, pressure is defined as force per unit area. This definition emphasizes how pressure is created when a force is applied over a specific surface area. In refrigeration systems, pressure plays a crucial role in determining how refrigerants behave, including their phase changes from liquid to gas and vice versa.

When refrigerants are compressed within the system, the pressure increases, which allows for efficient heat transfer processes. The relationship between pressure and temperature is also fundamental, as it is governed by principles like the ideal gas law and the behavior of refrigerants in different states. Understanding pressure in this context helps to grasp how refrigeration cycles operate, including compression, evaporation, and condensation processes.