What happens during the condensation process in a refrigeration system?

During the condensation process in a refrigeration system, the refrigerant releases heat and changes from a vapor to a liquid. This is a crucial phase in the refrigeration cycle. When the refrigerant, which has absorbed heat from the environment and is in a gaseous state, enters the condenser, it is subjected to pressure. As the pressure increases, the refrigerant cools down, allowing it to release the latent heat of vaporization to the surrounding environment, often via a condenser coil or fins. Consequently, this cooling causes the refrigerant molecules to come closer together as they transition into a liquid state. This process is essential for the efficient functioning of a refrigeration system, as it prepares the refrigerant for the next step in the cycle, where it will again evaporate and absorb heat from the space that needs to be cooled.