In a refrigeration cycle, what component is responsible for the expansion of refrigerant?

The component responsible for the expansion of refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle is the expansion valve. This component plays a crucial role in the refrigeration process by allowing the refrigerant to expand, which results in a drop in pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

When the refrigerant leaves the expansion valve, it enters the evaporator at a low pressure. This low-pressure refrigerant is able to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, thus enabling the cooling effect that refrigeration systems are designed to provide. The expansion process not only cools the refrigerant but also prepares it for the next phase of the refrigeration cycle where it will absorb heat.

Other components, such as the condenser, compressor, and evaporator, each have their specific functions, but they do not perform the expansion of the refrigerant. The condenser releases heat from the refrigerant, the compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, and the evaporator facilitates the absorption of heat into the refrigerant. Thus, the expansion valve is unique in its function of regulating the flow and pressure of refrigerant, making it the correct answer to the question.