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Which factors affect the vapor pressure of a liquid?

1) Intermolecular forces of attraction within the liquid
2) The volume and/or surface area of the liquid present
3) The temperature of the liquid

User Jan Palas
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The vapor pressure of a liquid is affected by intermolecular forces, temperature, and the volume/surface area of the liquid.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vapor pressure is the pressure at which a gas coexists with its liquid phase. It is influenced by several factors:

  1. Intermolecular forces: Strong intermolecular forces impede vaporization and result in a lower vapor pressure, while weak intermolecular forces allow for easier vaporization and result in a higher vapor pressure.
  2. Temperature: As the temperature increases, more molecules have enough energy to escape the liquid phase and enter the gas phase, leading to an increase in vapor pressure.
  3. Volume and surface area: These factors do not directly affect vapor pressure, but they can indirectly influence it by affecting the rate at which molecules evaporate and escape from the liquid phase.

User Wp Student
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