Answer to Question #100731 in Physics for Hannah

Question

Describe how the latent heat of condensation and vaporization is used in an air conditioning system.

Explain what happens to the thermal energy that the refrigerant removes from inside a home, in terms of the law of conservation

Answer 1

Latent heat is important in the operation of an air-conditioning system because the cooling effect is derived from changing the state of liquid refrigerant to vapour. The liquid refrigerant absorbs the latent heat of vaporization, making the air cooler. The cooler air is then blown into the passenger compartment.

In a refrigerator, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by a motor. The motor drives a compressor, and this compresses and heats the refrigerant. Mechanical energy is converted into thermal energy in this process.