Final answer:
Overheating in a compressor often occurs due to inefficient heat transfer, where the oil becomes too thin to lubricate effectively at high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overheating of the oil in a compressor is a direct result of the inefficient heat transfer. During processes like cooking or when an engine is running, heat can be lost into the surroundings, such as the room or into the engine's metal parts. As outlined by LibreTexts, oil viscosity is crucial for effective lubrication, with oil becoming too thin at high temperatures, leading to inadequate lubrication and potential overheating. Compressors work by electrically raising the temperature and pressure of a gas, then transferring it through condenser coils to release heat into a room, which can lead to components like oil getting too hot if the system isn't cooling effectively.