What is the role of the refrigerant in a cooling system?

The refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling system by absorbing heat from the environment or the area being cooled and then releasing that heat outside. This is the fundamental operation of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. When the refrigerant absorbs heat, it transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. This phase change allows the refrigerant to effectively carry heat away from the indoor space and expel it outside through the condenser, typically at a higher temperature.

This heat transfer process is essential for maintaining the desired temperature within the conditioned space and is what makes refrigeration and air conditioning possible. Understanding this flow of heat and the behavior of refrigerants is vital for recognizing how cooling systems operate efficiently. The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of the refrigerant in this context.