What effect does the compressor have on the refrigerant?

The compressor plays a critical role in the refrigeration cycle by increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant enters the compressor in a low-pressure gas state, the compressor mechanically compresses it, reducing its volume while simultaneously raising its pressure and temperature. This process is essential for enabling the refrigerant to flow through the system.

As the pressure of the refrigerant increases, so does its temperature, which is necessary for the next stage of the cycle. Once the refrigerant is compressed, it can then flow to the condenser, where it will dissipate heat and change state as it transitions from a gas to a liquid. This ability to raise the pressure and temperature is vital as it allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor space when it evaporates in the evaporator coil, thus providing cooling.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle. For example, making the refrigerant cooler is not the compressor's role; rather, it is a subsequent effect in the cycle after the refrigerant has passed through the compressor. Similarly, the compressor does not liquefy the refrigerant directly, as this change occurs in the condenser. Uncompressing the refrigerant goes against the fundamental operation of