What happens to a liquid's vapor pressure as temperature increases?

• A. It decreases
• B. It remains constant
• C. It increases
• D. It fluctuates

Answer: (C)

As temperature increases, the vapor pressure of a liquid also increases. This phenomenon occurs because higher temperatures provide more energy to the molecules of the liquid, allowing more of them to escape into the vapor phase. Vapor pressure is a measure of the tendency of a liquid to evaporate, and as more molecules gain enough energy to transition from the liquid to the vapor state, the pressure exerted by the vapor above the liquid rises. Therefore, the correct answer highlights this direct relationship between temperature and vapor pressure, emphasizing that as heat is applied to a liquid, its vapor pressure will consistently increase.