How does temperature affect vapor pressure?

Temperature has a direct influence on vapor pressure, primarily due to the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of molecules in a liquid. As temperature increases, the molecules within the liquid gain energy, which enhances their movement and allows more molecules to escape from the liquid phase into the vapor phase. This increase in the number of molecules in the vapor state leads to an increase in vapor pressure.

In addition, as temperature rises, more molecules attain sufficient energy to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold them in the liquid. The result is a greater proportion of the liquid transitioning into vapor form, which raises the equilibrium vapor pressure above that at a lower temperature. At any temperature above absolute zero, there is always some vapor pressure, and that pressure will rise with an increase in temperature.

Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in applications related to boiling points and phase changes in various chemical processes.