In an evaporator, where is latent heat transferred from?

In an evaporator, latent heat is transferred from the refrigerated space to the refrigerant. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function efficiently. When a refrigerant enters the evaporator, it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. During this transformation, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, typically the space that needs to be cooled. This heat is referred to as latent heat because it is the energy required for the change of state, rather than increasing the temperature of the refrigerant.

The absorption of latent heat is what allows the refrigerant to effectively remove heat from the refrigerated space, lowering the temperature of that area. This continuous cycle of heat absorption and phase change is crucial for maintaining the cooling effect. While other options may involve heat transfer in different contexts, they do not specifically relate to the process occurring within the evaporator where the primary function is to absorb heat from the space being cooled.