The heat removed from the refrigerant by the condenser includes what types of heat?

The heat removed from the refrigerant by the condenser includes both sensible and latent heat due to the nature of the refrigeration cycle.

When refrigerant gas passes through the condenser, it loses heat as it changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state. This process involves two crucial phases of heat transfer. First, the sensible heat is the heat that is absorbed or released when the refrigerant temperature changes but does not undergo a change of state. As the refrigerant gas cools down in the condenser, it releases sensible heat to the surrounding environment.

Following this, as the refrigerant continues to release heat, it undergoes condensation. During this phase change from gas to liquid, latent heat is released. This is the heat energy required for the phase change, which does not result in a temperature change but instead reflects the energy transfer associated with changing the state of the refrigerant.

Therefore, both types of heat—sensible and latent—are involved when the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant, making the correct answer that both forms of heat are included in the process. This understanding is essential for recognizing how heat transfer operates within refrigeration systems and contributes to their overall efficiency.