Which of the following best describes a condenser's function in a refrigeration cycle?

The function of a condenser in a refrigeration cycle is to cool and condense refrigerant gas into a liquid. In the refrigeration process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment in the evaporator and evaporates into a gas. The gas then flows to the condenser, where it is cooled by a secondary medium, such as outdoor air or water. As the gas loses heat, it condenses back into a liquid state. This phase change is crucial for the cycle to continue, as the now-liquid refrigerant is then sent back to the evaporator to absorb more heat and repeat the cycle.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe the function of a condenser. The conversion of liquid refrigerant into gas is accomplished in the evaporator, not the condenser. Storing excess refrigerant is not a function of the condenser; that role is typically fulfilled by a receiver or accumulator. Lastly, circulating refrigerant throughout the system is a task generally managed by the compressor and various piping, rather than being specific to the function of the condenser. Therefore, the description of the condenser as a device that cools and condenses refrigerant gas into a liquid is the most accurate understanding of its role in the refrigeration cycle.