What effect does an increase in temperature have on vapor pressure?

An increase in temperature has a significant effect on vapor pressure, leading to a higher vapor pressure. This is due to the relationship between the temperature of a liquid and the kinetic energy of its molecules. As the temperature rises, the average kinetic energy of the molecules in the liquid increases. This means that more molecules have enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the vapor phase.

When the temperature increases, the rate of evaporation also increases because a greater number of molecules can transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase. As more molecules enter the vapor state, the vapor pressure – which is the pressure exerted by these vapor molecules in equilibrium with the liquid – also increases.

Thus, in a closed system, as temperature rises, the vapor pressure will continue to increase until it reaches a new equilibrium. Therefore, higher temperatures are associated with higher vapor pressures.