When does a refrigerant give up heat?

A refrigerant gives up heat during the process of condensation. In a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant changes state from a gas to a liquid, which occurs in the condenser. As the refrigerant gas enters the condenser, it releases heat to the surrounding environment, cooling down and transforming into a liquid. This release of heat is crucial for the refrigeration process as it enables the system to extract heat from the area being cooled, thereby maintaining a low temperature inside the space or appliance.

The process of evaporation, on the other hand, involves the refrigerant absorbing heat, which is the opposite of heat rejection. Superheating refers to the refrigerant being heated beyond its boiling point after evaporation, which also does not involve heat rejection; instead, it signifies increased heat absorption. Freezing typically pertains to a solid state change and is not a relevant process within the standard refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the key concept to remember is that condensation is the critical phase where the refrigerant releases heat, making it an essential part of the cooling process.