Question

What function is performed by the Condenser in the refrigerator?
A. To deliver the heat to the heat pump
B. To deliver the heat to the evaporator
C. To deliver the heat to the refrigerator
D. To deliver the heat to the atmosphere

Answer 1

To answer this question, the parts of a refrigerator must be understood. The refrigerator is a device that is used to remove heat from a region of space. It does so, by removing heat from a region and releasing it to the atmosphere.

Complete answer:
The second’s law of Thermodynamics, as described by the scientist Clausius states that, heat cannot flow from itself, from a body of lower temperature to a body of higher temperature. This talks about spontaneity in the heat transfer. The heat travels from hot body to cold body spontaneously without any external aid but when heat cannot travel by itself, vice versa. This means that, in order to transfer the heat, work has to be done on the system.

The refrigeration is based on this principle. It works on the Reverse Carnot Cycle.

Consider the second case wherein, the system S is maintained at two different temperatures, the higher temperature is called source and the lower temperature is called the sink.

Here, the work is done on the system and the heat moves from a lower temperature to higher temperature. This working is reverse to that of the regular Carnot cycle and hence, it is called the Reverse Carnot Cycle.

There are two kinds of Refrigeration systems, namely, Vapour Compression Refrigeration and Vapour Absorption Refrigeration.

The components Condenser and Evaporator are common in both the systems.

In Vapour Compression Refrigeration, the heat is removed by the cold liquid refrigerant by absorbing the heat in the chamber and turning to vapours. These vapours move to the compressor which are compressed to a higher pressure so that it travels to the condenser. At high pressure, the vapours in the refrigerant move along the coils which are exposed to the atmosphere where it loses the heat and turns back into liquid.

Similar process happens in a Vapour Absorption Refrigeration, with the only exception being the compressor is replaced by an absorption unit. The function of the condenser remains the same.

Therefore, the condenser rejects the heat from the refrigerant to the atmosphere and cools the refrigerant.

Hence, the correct option is Option D.

Note: The Vapour Absorption system is used in household refrigerators since the power consumed is lesser as there is no compressor involved and the noise produced by the compressor can be avoided. However, in cold storage units where the quantity of refrigeration is higher, the Vapour Compression system is involved.