In a refrigeration cycle, what occurs in the condenser?

In a refrigeration cycle, the condenser plays a crucial role in rejecting heat from the refrigerant. Here, the refrigerant, which is in a gaseous state after passing through the compressor, enters the condenser and releases the heat it has absorbed from the interior of the refrigerated space.

As the refrigerant releases heat to the outside environment, it undergoes a phase change and condenses from a vapor to a liquid. This process is vital for the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle, as it prepares the refrigerant to be cycled back into the evaporator to absorb heat again. The proper functioning of this phase change ensures that the cooling effect is effectively maintained.

The other options do not accurately describe the condenser's role. Vaporization occurs in the evaporator, heat is not added in the condenser, and pressure reduction typically happens in the expansion valve, not in the condenser itself. Thus, the understanding of the condensation process is key in grasping how refrigeration systems operate effectively.