In the refrigeration cycle, the medium that picks up the heat is the _____.

In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is the medium that picks up heat from the environment being cooled. The refrigerant undergoes phase changes as it circulates through the system, allowing it to absorb heat effectively. As it enters the evaporator, it evaporates by absorbing heat from the surrounding area, which lowers the temperature in that space.

During this process, the refrigerant transitions from a liquid to a vapor while absorbing heat, which is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function. This heat-absorbing capacity of the refrigerant is what enables the system to maintain the desired cooling effect in spaces such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers. The other components (compressor, evaporator, and condenser) all play important roles in the cycle, but it is the refrigerant that directly picks up heat from the surroundings.