Where are BTUs from the product of the heat of compression rejected?

The correct answer is the condenser because it is specifically designed to reject heat from the refrigerant after it has been compressed. When refrigerant is compressed within the compressor, its temperature and pressure increase significantly. This heat generated during compression, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), must be removed to allow the refrigerant to condense back into a liquid.

The condenser facilitates this process by providing a surface where the hot, high-pressure gas can release its heat to the environment, generally via air or water. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser coils, it cools down and condenses into a liquid state. This heat rejection is essential for maintaining the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle and ensuring the system operates effectively.

Other components like the evaporator and the expansion valve serve different roles in the refrigeration cycle. The evaporator is where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings, allowing it to vaporize and cool the desired space. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator but does not reject heat. Therefore, the condenser is the component that specifically handles the rejection of BTUs from the heat of compression.