What occurs to the refrigerant in the compressor of an air-cooled air conditioner when it is squeezed?

When refrigerant enters the compressor of an air-cooled air conditioner, it is in a low-pressure gas state. The primary function of the compressor is to increase the pressure of this refrigerant gas. As the refrigerant is squeezed within the compressor, its volume decreases, and as a result, its temperature rises significantly. This is a principle of thermodynamics, specifically governed by the ideal gas law, which states that for a constant amount of gas, pressure and temperature are directly proportional when volume is decreased.

Consequently, as the refrigerant is compressed, it absorbs energy in the form of heat, leading to an increase in temperature. This heated, high-pressure gas is subsequently moved to the condenser, where it can release its heat and change to a liquid state. This sequence is critical for the refrigerant's role in the refrigeration cycle, enabling it to transport heat from inside a space to the outside environment.