In terms of refrigeration systems, what does a condenser do?

The correct answer is that the condenser converts refrigerant from gas to liquid. In a refrigeration system, the condenser plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle.

As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, it releases heat that it has absorbed from the evaporator. This process occurs as the gas refrigerant, which has high pressure and temperature after leaving the compressor, is cooled down by either air or water streams. As the refrigerant loses heat, it undergoes a phase change, transitioning from a gas state to a liquid state. This change is essential because the liquid refrigerant must return to the evaporator to absorb heat again and complete the cycle.

In summary, the condenser's primary function is to enable this phase change, making it a critical component in maintaining the refrigeration cycle efficiently, as it prepares the refrigerant for the next step in the process.