Which of the following best describes the state of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet of the compressor?

The correct choice describes the typical operation of a refrigeration cycle involving a compressor. At the inlet, the refrigerant is in a low-pressure vapor state. This is because, prior to entering the compressor, the refrigerant has absorbed heat from the environment (in the evaporator) and is now in a gaseous form at a low pressure.

As the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is mechanically compressed, which significantly raises its pressure and temperature. Consequently, at the outlet of the compressor, you have high-pressure vapor. This vapor is then routed to the condenser, where it will release its heat and typically condense into a high-pressure liquid.

Understanding this cycle is crucial for anyone working with refrigeration systems, as it illustrates the transformation of the refrigerant through different states and pressure levels, which is fundamental to the operation of HVAC systems. The other options present scenarios that are not representative of the actual operating conditions of a compressor within a refrigeration cycle.