The refrigeration cycle works by continuously circulating a refrigerant through four key components: 1. **Evaporator**: The refrigerant absorbs heat from the space being cooled, evaporating from a liquid to a gas. 2. **Compressor**: The gas is compressed, raising its temperature and pressure. 3. **Condenser**: The hot, high-pressure gas releases its heat to the surroundings, condensing back into a liquid. 4. **Expansion Valve**: The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature before returning to the evaporator. This cycle repeats to maintain a cool environment.