NATE Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Practice Exam

Work done on the refrigerant in the condenser is transferred as ____.

1. latent heat

2. sensible heat

3. specific heat

4. both sensible and latent heat

The correct answer is: both sensible and latent heat

In a refrigeration cycle, the condenser plays a crucial role in transferring heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding environment. The Work done on the refrigerant in the condenser primarily involves the phase change from vapor to liquid. During this process, the refrigerant releases latent heat, which is the heat energy released as the refrigerant changes state. At the same time, while the refrigerant is condensing, its temperature can also decrease, which involves transferring sensible heat. Sensible heat is the heat that causes a change in temperature of the refrigerant without a phase change occurring. Therefore, the work done on the refrigerant in the condenser is indeed transferred as both latent heat (due to the phase change) and sensible heat (as the temperature of the refrigerant may also drop). This is why the answer that includes both types of heat is the most comprehensive and accurate in describing the heat transfer occurring in the condenser.