What changes occur to refrigerant as it passes through the compressor?

As the refrigerant passes through the compressor, it experiences an increase in both temperature and pressure. The compressor's primary function is to compress the refrigerant gas, which reduces its volume and forces it into a high-pressure state.

This process also causes the refrigerant's temperature to rise due to the laws of thermodynamics; as the gas is compressed, the molecules are forced closer together, and their kinetic energy increases, which results in a higher temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature vapor is then sent to the condenser, where it will undergo a phase change.

This behavior is fundamental in the refrigeration cycle and laid the groundwork for how HVAC systems operate efficiently. The other choices describe processes that do not occur as the refrigerant moves through the compressor, such as condensing into a liquid, transitioning to a low pressure, or becoming supercooled, which takes place in different parts of the refrigeration cycle.