How does an A/C system operate in cooling mode?

The operation of an A/C system in cooling mode involves the refrigerant absorbing heat from the indoor air and then releasing that heat outside. This process is fundamental to how air conditioning works. When the system is engaged, the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, absorbing heat as it changes from liquid to gas. This action cools the indoor air, as the air passed over the evaporator coil loses heat. The gaseous refrigerant then travels to the compressor, where it is compressed and subsequently moved to the condenser coil outside, where it releases the absorbed heat. This cycle continues, continuously cooling the indoor space.

Other options suggest less accurate processes. For instance, the idea that the refrigerant transforms into ice is misleading, as while refrigerants do change state to absorb and release heat, they do not typically become ice during normal cooling operations. The mention of circulating air through open windows does not accurately reflect how a closed-loop A/C system operates, which relies on recirculating indoor air rather than introducing outside air. Lastly, compressing air and redistributing heat does not capture the essential mechanism of heat exchange that defines the A/C system's cooling function. The focus on the refrigerant's role in absorbing and releasing heat is key