Under normal conditions, how does refrigerant enter and exit the compressor?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental principle of refrigeration cycles, specifically the function of the compressor. In refrigeration systems, the compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor.

Refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure superheated vapor. This means that the refrigerant has absorbed heat and is in a gaseous state, with its temperature above the saturation temperature for that pressure, ensuring it's not in a liquid state. The role of the compressor is to compress this vapor, increasing both its pressure and temperature significantly.

After passing through the compressor, the refrigerant leaves as a high-pressure vapor. This high-pressure vapor will subsequently move through the condenser where it releases heat and transitions into a liquid state. Thus, the entire process ensures that the refrigerant is appropriately conditioned for the next stage of the refrigeration cycle.

This understanding of the transition states and pressures of refrigerants is crucial for anyone involved in maintaining or operating refrigeration systems, as it underscores the effective handling and management of refrigerants throughout their cycles.