In a refrigeration cycle, how does the latent heat of ice (fusion) contribute to the refrigeration effect?  

Explanation:

Refrigeration Cycle:

• In a refrigeration cycle, the primary goal is to transfer heat from the interior of the refrigerator to its exterior environment, thereby cooling the interior space. The latent heat of ice (fusion) plays a crucial role in the efficiency and functionality of this process. Let's delve into how this latent heat contributes to the refrigeration effect and why Option 1 is the correct answer.

Refrigeration Cycle:

The refrigeration cycle consists of four main processes: evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion. Here's a brief overview of each process:

1. Evaporation: The refrigerant absorbs heat from the interior of the refrigerator, causing it to evaporate. This phase change from liquid to gas requires the refrigerant to absorb a significant amount of latent heat from its surroundings, which in turn cools the interior space.
2. Compression: The evaporated refrigerant is compressed by the compressor, raising its pressure and temperature.
3. Condensation: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant releases its heat to the exterior environment as it condenses back into a liquid.
4. Expansion: The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature, and it returns to the evaporator to start the cycle again.

Latent Heat of Ice (Fusion):

• The latent heat of fusion is the amount of heat required to change a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point without changing its temperature. For ice, this process occurs at 0°C (32°F). When ice melts, it absorbs a substantial amount of heat, known as the latent heat of fusion, which is approximately 334 kJ/kg for water.

In the context of a refrigeration cycle, the latent heat of fusion is essential for the following reasons:

• Heat Absorption during Evaporation: In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the interior of the refrigerator. This heat absorption includes the latent heat of fusion when ice is present. As the refrigerant evaporates, it takes in a significant amount of heat, including the heat required to melt the ice. This process effectively cools the interior space.
• Efficient Cooling: The absorption of the latent heat of fusion ensures efficient cooling of the refrigerator's interior. By causing the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb this latent heat, the refrigeration cycle can maintain a low temperature inside the refrigerator, keeping food and other items cold.