Which sequence correctly represents the basic steps of a refrigeration cycle?

Which sequence correctly represents the basic steps of a refrigeration cycle?

• A. Evaporation, Expansion, Condensation, Compression
• B. Condensation, Evaporation, Compression, Expansion
• C. Compression, Condensation, Expansion, Evaporation
• D. Expansion, Evaporation, Condensation, Compression

Answer: (C)

The basic idea is a loop where the refrigerant is pressurized to drive heat transfer, then de-pressurized to enable heat absorption. In a vapor‑compression cycle, the refrigerant goes through four stages: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, in that order. Compressing the refrigerant raises its pressure and temperature so it can release heat in the condenser; the condenser then turns the high‑pressure gas into a high‑pressure liquid by shedding that heat to the surroundings. The expansion device drops the pressure (and temperature) of the liquid, producing a cold, low‑pressure mixture. This cold refrigerant then enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the space (or object to be cooled) and boils back into a low‑pressure vapor, ready to be compressed again. This sequence—compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation—is what makes the cycle work and enables continuous cooling.

The basic idea is a loop where the refrigerant is pressurized to drive heat transfer, then de-pressurized to enable heat absorption. In a vapor‑compression cycle, the refrigerant goes through four stages: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, in that order. Compressing the refrigerant raises its pressure and temperature so it can release heat in the condenser; the condenser then turns the high‑pressure gas into a high‑pressure liquid by shedding that heat to the surroundings. The expansion device drops the pressure (and temperature) of the liquid, producing a cold, low‑pressure mixture. This cold refrigerant then enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the space (or object to be cooled) and boils back into a low‑pressure vapor, ready to be compressed again. This sequence—compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation—is what makes the cycle work and enables continuous cooling.