In the heat pump described, which component raises the temperature and pressure of the working fluid using electrical work?
AThe evaporator
BThe condenser coils
CThe compressor
DThe expansion valve
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The compressor
1. In the evaporator, heat from the cold outdoor air turns the working fluid into a gas.
2. The electrically driven compressor then raises the temperature and pressure of that gas using work input.
3. The condenser coils are where the hot gas gives up heat to the room and condenses into a liquid.
4. The expansion valve cools the liquid before it returns to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
5. So the compressor is correct.
_Source: OpenStax Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 12 "Thermodynamics", section 12.4 Applications of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines, Heat Pumps, and Refrigerators_
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