Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

What component of a refrigeration cycle is responsible for absorbing heat?

1. The compressor

2. The evaporator

3. The condenser

4. The expansion valve

The correct answer is: The evaporator

The component responsible for absorbing heat in a refrigeration cycle is the evaporator. In the refrigeration process, the evaporator's primary function is to absorb heat from the surrounding environment or the space that needs to be cooled. It does this by circulating a refrigerant, which evaporates in the evaporator coils. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, effectively removing heat from the area being cooled. The evaporator is crucial because it allows the refrigerant to take on heat energy, which is then carried away to the compressor, continuing the refrigeration cycle. This heat absorption creates a cooling effect, making the evaporator pivotal in the operation of refrigeration systems in various applications.