Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

What do the evaporator and condenser collectively do in a refrigeration cycle?

1. They absorb and release moisture

2. They remove electrical interference

3. They absorb heat while releasing heat

4. They maintain temperature fluctuations

The correct answer is: They absorb heat while releasing heat

In a refrigeration cycle, the evaporator and condenser play critical roles in the transfer of heat, which is essential for the cooling process. The evaporator is responsible for absorbing heat from the surroundings, such as the air in a refrigerator or freezer, causing the refrigerant inside to evaporate from a liquid to a gas. This process cools the air or other substances that come into contact with the evaporator. On the other hand, the condenser functions by releasing the heat that was absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator. As the refrigerant gas travels to the condenser, it is compressed, and when it enters the condenser, it releases heat to the environment, condensing back into a liquid state. Thus, collectively, the evaporator and condenser work together to absorb heat from one area and release it in another, achieving the desired cooling effect. This fundamental principle of heat transfer within the refrigeration cycle underscores why the correct answer relates to the essential functions of absorbing and releasing heat.