What process occurs in the evaporator of a refrigeration system?

The process that occurs in the evaporator of a refrigeration system involves the refrigerant absorbing heat from its surroundings and evaporating. This is a critical function within the refrigeration cycle. As the refrigerant enters the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid, it absorbs heat from the area that needs to be cooled, such as the interior of a refrigerator or freezer. This absorption of heat causes the refrigerant to change state, transitioning from a liquid to a vapor.

This process not only lowers the temperature of the surrounding air (which helps cool the space), but it also ensures that the refrigerant can continue its journey through the system. The evaporation of the refrigerant is what drives the cooling process, as the heat absorption allows for efficient heat transfer and ultimately maintains the desired temperature in the refrigerated space. Hence, the correct choice highlights the fundamental operation of the evaporator in a refrigeration system.