At the outlet of the condenser, the refrigerant is typically in which state?

• A. High pressure vapor
• B. Low pressure liquid
• C. High pressure liquid
• D. Low pressure vapor

Answer: (C)

The outlet of the condenser is high‑pressure liquid. In the vapor‑compression cycle, the refrigerant leaves the compressor as hot, high‑pressure vapor and enters the condenser, where it rejects heat to the surrounding air. As it gives up heat, the refrigerant changes phase from vapor to liquid while staying at high pressure. The result is a high‑pressure liquid refrigerant at the condenser outlet, often subcooled a bit to ensure it enters the expansion device as a true liquid.

That means the other states don’t fit here: high‑pressure vapor is what enters the condenser, not what leaves it; low‑pressure liquid would occur after the throttling/expansion valve, and low‑pressure vapor would be after expansion or if vapor forms due to boiling, not the typical condenser outlet.