Which factor listed affects the leakage tendency of a refrigerant?

The factor that significantly affects the leakage tendency of a refrigerant is density. A refrigerant's density influences how it behaves in a system and affects the potential for leakage.

When refrigerants are contained in a system, a lower density often means that the refrigerant is more likely to escape through tiny gaps or leaks because it can occupy a larger volume for a given mass. Conversely, a higher density refrigerant may have a lower tendency to escape due to its increased mass and lower volume for the same amount of refrigerant, making it less likely to leak from small openings.

In addition to density, other physical properties like molecular weight and viscosity may influence how refrigerants behave in systems but are not as directly associated with leakage tendencies. Temperature stability can affect system performance and efficiency but does not have a direct correlation with the likelihood of refrigerant leakage. Understanding density as a critical factor helps engineers and technicians design systems that minimize leakage potential and improve overall safety and efficiency.