Which process describes the transition of refrigerant from a liquid to gas state while absorbing heat?

The transition of refrigerant from a liquid to a gas state while absorbing heat is described by the process of evaporation. During evaporation, the refrigerant absorbs heat from its surroundings, which provides the energy necessary to change from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase. This is a crucial process in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as it allows the system to extract heat from indoor air, thereby cooling the environment.

In a typical air conditioning cycle, as the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from the indoor air. This absorption results in a cooling effect, essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. The efficiency of this process impacts the overall performance of the HVAC system, making an understanding of evaporation fundamental for anyone working in or studying the field.

Condensation, superheating, and freezing relate to different processes involving refrigerants. Specifically, condensation refers to the change from gas to liquid while releasing heat, superheating involves heating a gas beyond its boiling point without changing its state, and freezing involves the transition from liquid to solid. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why evaporation is the correct answer in this context.