What effect does increasing the pressure on the refrigerant have on the boiling point of a liquid?

Increasing the pressure on a refrigerant causes an elevation in its boiling point due to the principles of thermodynamics and the behavior of fluids. When pressure is applied to a liquid, the molecules are pushed closer together, requiring more energy—typically in the form of heat—to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them in the liquid state. This increase in required energy raises the temperature at which the liquid can transition to a gas, which is effectively the boiling point.

In practical terms, this principle is crucial in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, where controlling the boiling point allows for efficient heat exchange processes. By ensuring that the refrigerant remains in a liquid state at higher temperatures inside the evaporator, systems can absorb heat effectively and maintain desired cooling levels.