What is the phase change that occurs in a condenser when it removes heat from refrigerant?

In a condenser, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid. This process occurs when the refrigerant, which is in a gaseous state after absorbing heat in the evaporator, enters the condenser. As it circulates through the condenser coils, it releases heat to the surrounding environment, typically through air or water. This heat removal causes the refrigerant to cool down and transition to a liquid state.

This phase change is essential for the refrigeration cycle to continue operating efficiently. If the refrigerant did not change from gas to liquid in the condenser, it would not be able to return to the evaporator to absorb heat again, thus disrupting the cooling process.

Other options describe phase changes that do not accurately represent the function of a condenser. The transition from liquid to gas typically occurs in the evaporator, while solid states involve entirely different thermodynamic processes that are not related to the operation of a condenser in a refrigeration cycle.