Answer :
Final answer:
The student's statement is correct; an air conditioner uses a compression cycle to cool air. The correct answer is a).
Explanation:
In simple terms, an air conditioner works by absorbing warm indoor air, cooling it down through a refrigeration cycle (often a vapor-compression cycle), and then redistributing the chilled air back into the room, thereby reducing the room temperature.
The operation of an air conditioner is analogous to a refrigerator, as both use a refrigerant to transfer heat from inside to the outside.
The efficiency of this process can be measured by the coefficient of performance, which, in an ideal scenario, is calculated as T₁/(T₂-T₁), with T₁ being the temperature from which heat is extracted (the cooler space) and T₂ being the temperature to which heat is expelled (the hotter space).
Discussing the cost-effectiveness of using an air conditioner versus melting ice for cooling involves considering the heat transfer ability of the unit, the amount of energy required for operation, and the cost of electricity.
For instance, if 12.65 MJ of heat transfer by an air conditioner is equivalent to melting a certain mass of ice, one could compare the costs of running the air conditioner to buying ice based on local prices, taking into account energy efficiency ratings, electricity costs, and the mass of ice that could be melted with a similar energy expenditure.
