During the refrigeration cycle, what does the refrigerant do? absorbs and releases thermal energy by first vaporizing then condensing. absorbs and releases thermal energy by first condensing then vaporizing. insulates the thermal energy away from the cooling area. transfers thermal energy to the cooling area by condensing.

Answer :  Absorbs and releases thermal energy by first vaporizing then condensing.

Explanation :

The transfer of heat from one place to another is a function of refrigerant.

Initially, the liquid refrigerant enters the indoor coil. Here, it changes from liquid state to vapor state. Then this vapor refrigerant enters into the compressor.

Finally, it flows into the condenser. Here, It releases heat to the outside air.

So, refrigerant absorbs and releases thermal energy by first vaporizing then condensing.

this is poiselle's equation from fluid mechanic in physics. mech eng