What is the direction of flow through every condenser?

The direction of refrigerant flow through a condenser is critical for its proper function. In a typical condenser, the refrigerant vapor enters at the top where it is often hot and under high pressure. As it flows downward through the condenser, it releases heat to the surrounding environment, which leads to the condensation of the refrigerant into a liquid phase. This process allows the refrigerant to exit the condenser at the bottom as a cooled liquid.

This design maximizes the efficiency of heat transfer due to gravity assisting in the flow and promoting effective cooling as the refrigerant descends. The downward flow ensures that the vapor has ample time and space to release heat as it traverses through the condenser coils, allowing a complete phase change from gas to liquid before exiting. Thus, the correct answer highlights that refrigerant enters at the top and leaves at the bottom, directly reflecting the operational principle of most condensers.