What happens to the vapor pressure of a liquid when its temperature increases?

When the temperature of a liquid increases, the vapor pressure rises. This phenomenon occurs because higher temperatures provide more energy to the liquid's molecules, allowing them to overcome intermolecular forces more readily. As a result, more molecules transition from the liquid phase to the vapor phase, leading to an increase in the number of molecules exerting pressure in the vapor space above the liquid.

This relationship is fundamental in understanding phase changes and is critical in fields such as refrigeration and air conditioning. The concept is further illustrated by the use of vapor-pressure-temperature charts, which show how vapor pressure increases with temperature for various substances. At lower temperatures, fewer molecules have the energy needed to escape into the vapor phase, resulting in a lower vapor pressure. As temperature rises, this dynamic shifts, significantly impacting processes like boiling and evaporation.