Refrigeration is a process that removes heat from a designated area to lower its temperature. This is commonly used to preserve food, keeping it fresh for longer periods by slowing down the growth of bacteria. Refrigerators work by circulating a refrigerant, a special fluid that absorbs heat, through coils inside and outside the unit. The basic principle of refrigeration relies on the thermodynamic cycle, which involves compression and expansion of the refrigerant. As the refrigerant evaporates inside the refrigerator, it absorbs heat from the interior, and when it is compressed outside, it releases that heat into the environment. This cycle is essential for maintaining cool temperatures in homes and businesses.