If a heat exchanger is designed to condense refrigerant vapor using central cooling fresh water as a condensing medium, what statement is true?

Correct Answer: Option B — The refrigerant vapor loses latent heat, the central cooling fresh water gains sensible heat.

Refrigerant condensation involves a phase change where vapor releases latent heat to the cooling medium. The central cooling water, remaining in a liquid state, absorbs this energy as sensible heat, resulting in a measurable temperature rise. This thermodynamic process is fundamental to marine refrigeration cycles governed by 46 CFR Subchapter F.