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Why is it harder for evaporation to occur when the air pressure is high?

A) Evaporation only occurs when there is no air pressure.
B) The air particles are heavier with little ability to rise.
C) The air particles are packed together with little space for water vapor.
D) The air particles are spread out with plenty of empty spaces for water vapor.

2 Answers

9 votes

Air pressure has a few effects on evaporation. If the air pressure is high on the surface of a body of water, the water will not evaporate quickly. The pressure on the water makes it very difficult for the water to disperse as a vapor into the atmosphere. Air pressure is the force of the surrounding air that is acting on the surface of the water. Greater air pressure means greater force per unit area. This pressure is forced on evaporating water molecules, so greater air pressure means that the water molecules will exert more energy to evaporate. That being said, you could say the air particles are heavier and weighing down on the water. I hope this helps! Have a great day. :)

User MrSimonEmms
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4.0k points
10 votes
the correct answer would be b.
User Sayuri
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3.8k points