Final answer:
The process where refrigerant absorbs heat and turns into a low-temperature vapor is known as direct expansion, occurring in the evaporator component of a cooling system. The opposite phase change happens in the condenser.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates into a low-temperature vapor, this process is referred to as direct expansion. In simple terms, direct expansion involves the refrigerant absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, causing it to change from a liquid to a vapor. This phase change occurs within the evaporator component of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. On the other hand, the condenser part of the system is where the gaseous refrigerant is converted back into a liquid form by releasing heat.