Chapter 13, Problem 46A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The effect of an increase in temperature on the vapor pressure of a liquid is to be described.

Concept introduction:

A liquid is a nearly incompressible fluid and has the shape of its container and maintains a (almost) constant volume under all conditions of pressure. The volume is fixed if the temperature and pressure are both constant.

Answer to Problem 46A

Vapor pressure increases with the temperature.

Explanation of Solution

Vapor pressure rises with temperature and is a measurement of a substance's tendency to transform into a gaseous or vapor state. This is because the kinetic energy of a liquid's molecules increases along with the temperature. The number of molecules vaporizing also increases as a function of the molecules' increasing kinetic energy, which increases the vapor pressure.

Thus, dynamic equilibrium does not possible in an open container.