What happens to the refrigerant in the compressor?

The refrigerant in the compressor undergoes a process where it gains heat and pressure. As the compressor operates, it compresses the refrigerant vapor, which decreases its volume and increases its pressure significantly. This increase in pressure causes the temperature of the refrigerant to also rise, allowing it to transition into a high-energy gas state. This high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant is then ready to enter the condenser, where it will eventually release the excess heat gained during compression.

Understanding this process is essential for comprehending the refrigeration cycle as a whole. The other options describe phenomena that occur at different stages of the refrigeration cycle, such as condensation, heat absorption in the evaporator, and changes in volume and temperature in expansion devices, but they do not accurately reflect what occurs in the compressor itself.