What state does the refrigerant enter when it reaches the condenser?

When the refrigerant reaches the condenser, it enters as a high-pressure, saturated vapor. In this part of the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant, which has absorbed heat from the space or material being cooled, flows to the condenser where it is cooled down and releases that heat to the environment.

The increased pressure in the condenser is due to the refrigerant being compressed in the previous stage within the compressor. This high-pressure vapor then undergoes a phase change as it cools. In the condenser, the temperature decreases, causing the vapor to condense into a liquid state while being at high pressure. Although it is true that the refrigerant could be considered a "highly superheated liquid" after complete condensation and further cooling, at the point it first enters the condenser, it is still primarily recognized as a high-pressure, saturated vapor.

In summary, the state of high-pressure, saturated vapor accurately reflects the refrigerant's condition as it enters the condenser, ready for the heat exchange process that will turn it into a liquid.