What is the primary function of a refrigerant in a refrigeration system?

The primary function of a refrigerant in a refrigeration system is to absorb heat during evaporation. In a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas in the evaporator coil. As it evaporates, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, which allows the refrigeration system to cool down the area or substance being refrigerated.

This process begins in the evaporator, where the refrigerant, at a low pressure and relatively low temperature, enters and absorbs heat. This heat absorption leads to the phase change from liquid to vapor, enabling the refrigerant to effectively remove heat from the space being cooled.

Understanding this process is critical because it highlights the vital role of the refrigerant in heat transfer, which is the essence of refrigeration. Other options presented, while related to refrigeration principles, do not capture the primary heat absorption function of the refrigerant during its evaporative phase.