What happens to the refrigerant in the compression cycle when it exits the compressor?

When the refrigerant exits the compressor, it is in a state of high-pressure, superheated vapor. During the compression cycle, the compressor's primary function is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. As the compressor draws in low-pressure vapor from the evaporator, it compresses this gas, resulting in a significant increase in both pressure and temperature.

At the end of this process, the refrigerant leaves the compressor at a higher pressure and in a superheated state, meaning it is above its saturation temperature at that pressure. This superheated vapor is essential for the next step in the refrigeration cycle, where it will move to the condenser.

Being in a superheated state helps prevent any condensation of the refrigerant within the compressor itself, which could lead to mechanical damage. Therefore, the correct understanding of the refrigerant's condition upon exiting the compressor is that it is high-pressure and superheated vapor, making option C the correct choice.