The compressor in a refrigeration system ______.

The function of the compressor in a refrigeration system primarily revolves around the movement of refrigerant. Specifically, it is tasked with pumping the refrigerant throughout the system, facilitating the flow necessary for the refrigeration cycle to operate efficiently. As the compressor compresses the refrigerant, it also raises its pressure and temperature, which is essential for transitioning the refrigerant from the low-pressure side of the system to the high-pressure side.

While the increase in pressure does contribute to raising the boiling point of the refrigerant indirectly, it is primarily the action of pumping that embodies the compressor's fundamental role. The compressor is critical for circulating the refrigerant, allowing for heat absorption and rejection at the evaporator and condenser, respectively. Without the compressor effectively pumping the refrigerant, the cycle would not function, as there would be no movement through the evaporator and condenser, which are vital components for heat exchange.

This understanding underscores why the option focusing solely on its role as a pump is the most accurate representation of the compressor's primary function in the refrigeration system.