As the operating pressure of a refrigerant decreases, what happens to its volume?

As the operating pressure of a refrigerant decreases, what happens to its volume?

• A. Decreases
• B. Remains the Same
• C. Increases
• D. Varies with Temperature

Answer: (A)

When the operating pressure of a refrigerant decreases, the volume of the refrigerant actually increases due to the principles outlined in the ideal gas law, which states that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure when temperature is held constant. As pressure decreases, the molecules of the refrigerant have more space to move, leading to an increase in volume. In practical terms, this means that as refrigerant is allowed to expand (entering a lower pressure zone), it will occupy a larger volume than it did at higher pressures. This behavior is crucial when considering the efficiency and operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, where managing pressure and volume is essential for optimal performance. Therefore, the correct understanding of gas behavior dictates that when pressure drops, volume increases, making the answer consistent with the principles of thermodynamics that describe gaseous behavior.

When the operating pressure of a refrigerant decreases, the volume of the refrigerant actually increases due to the principles outlined in the ideal gas law, which states that the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to its pressure when temperature is held constant.

As pressure decreases, the molecules of the refrigerant have more space to move, leading to an increase in volume. In practical terms, this means that as refrigerant is allowed to expand (entering a lower pressure zone), it will occupy a larger volume than it did at higher pressures. This behavior is crucial when considering the efficiency and operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, where managing pressure and volume is essential for optimal performance.

Therefore, the correct understanding of gas behavior dictates that when pressure drops, volume increases, making the answer consistent with the principles of thermodynamics that describe gaseous behavior.