In which component is refrigerant typically converted from liquid to vapor?

• A. Condenser
• B. Evaporator
• C. Compressor
• D. Expansion Device

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is the evaporator. In a refrigeration cycle, the evaporator plays a crucial role where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment, causing it to change from a liquid to a vapor state. As the refrigerant enters the evaporator, it is at a low pressure and low temperature. When it absorbs heat from the air or the substance being cooled, it evaporates by converting the liquid refrigerant into vapor, thus effectively carrying away heat.

This process is fundamental to the operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as it is where the cooling effect occurs. The other components like the condenser, compressor, and expansion device play different roles in the cycle: the condenser transforms vapor back into liquid, the compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant, and the expansion device allows the refrigerant to expand and cool before entering the evaporator.