In a cooling system, what typically happens to the refrigerant by the time it exits the evaporator?

When refrigerant exits the evaporator in a cooling system, it typically exists in a state that is partially vaporized and partially liquid. This is due to the primary function of the evaporator, which is to absorb heat from the indoor environment. As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator coils, it evaporates by absorbing heat, turning from a liquid to a gas. However, not all of it completely vaporizes by the time it exits the evaporator.

The vaporization process occurs over a range of pressures and temperatures, and the specific design and operational conditions of the cooling system can lead to a scenario where some liquid remains mixed with the vapor. This mixture is essential for the proper functioning of the system because if the refrigerant were entirely vaporized or completely liquid as it enters the compressor, it could lead to operational inefficiencies or damage. Therefore, the correct characterization of the refrigerant as it exits the evaporator is that it is in a partially vaporized and partially liquid state.