Heat Exhausted from a Refrigerator

Introduction:
A refrigerator is a common household appliance used to cool and preserve food and other perishable items. It operates on the principle of heat transfer, where heat is removed from the contents of the refrigerator and exhausted to the outer atmosphere. In this question, we are asked to determine the relationship between the heat exhausted to the outer atmosphere and the heat absorbed from the contents of the refrigerator.

Explanation:
To understand why the correct answer is option 'D' (more than that absorbed from the contents), let's explore the working principle of a refrigerator.

1. Refrigeration Cycle:
A refrigerator operates based on the refrigeration cycle, which consists of four main components: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. This cycle allows the refrigerator to remove heat from the inside and transfer it to the outside.

2. Heat Transfer:
The refrigeration cycle involves the transfer of heat from the contents of the refrigerator to the outer atmosphere. This heat transfer occurs in two stages:

a. Heat Absorption:
Inside the refrigerator, the evaporator absorbs heat from the contents, cooling them down. This heat transfer process is achieved by circulating a refrigerant, typically a gas or a liquid, through the evaporator coils. The refrigerant evaporates by absorbing heat from the contents, thereby cooling them.

b. Heat Rejection:
After absorbing heat from the contents, the refrigerant vapor is compressed by the compressor, which increases its pressure and temperature. The hot refrigerant then flows into the condenser coils located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. In the condenser, the refrigerant releases heat to the outer atmosphere, cooling down and condensing back into a liquid state.

3. Conservation of Energy:
According to the principle of conservation of energy, the heat exhausted to the outer atmosphere must be greater than the heat absorbed from the contents of the refrigerator. This is because the refrigerator requires additional energy, usually in the form of electricity, to drive the refrigeration cycle. This energy is used to power the compressor, which increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, facilitating heat transfer to the outer atmosphere.

4. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'D' (more than that absorbed from the contents). The refrigerator expels more heat to the outer atmosphere than it absorbs from the contents due to the additional energy input required to drive the refrigeration cycle. This excess heat is a byproduct of the refrigeration process and is dissipated into the surrounding environment.