Question 65 ONC04 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

Which is TRUE concerning the vapor pressure of a substance?

A The pressure is not affected by temperature
B The pressure increases with the temperature
C The pressure may increase or decrease as the temperature rises
D The pressure decreases as temperature increases
AI Explanation

The Correct Answer is B **Explanation of Correctness (Option B):** Option B states that the vapor pressure increases with the temperature, which is chemically correct. Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by the gas (vapor) phase of a substance in equilibrium with its solid or liquid phase in a closed container. As the temperature of a liquid increases: 1. **Kinetic Energy Rises:** The molecules gain more kinetic energy. 2. **Increased Escape Rate:** A larger fraction of molecules possess enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them in the liquid state and escape into the gas phase (evaporation). 3. **Higher Concentration of Vapor:** This leads to a greater concentration of vapor molecules above the liquid surface, resulting in more frequent collisions with the container walls. 4. **Increased Pressure:** Consequently, the measured pressure exerted by the vapor (the vapor pressure) increases. This relationship is governed by the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, which shows a positive, non-linear correlation between temperature and vapor pressure. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **A) The pressure is not affected by temperature:** This is incorrect. Temperature is the primary factor affecting vapor pressure, as it determines the kinetic energy of the molecules and their ability to escape the liquid phase. * **C) The pressure may increase or decrease as the temperature rises:** This is incorrect. For any pure substance, vapor pressure is an intensive property that *always* increases systematically and predictably as the temperature increases, provided the substance remains below its critical point. * **D) The pressure decreases as temperature increases:** This is the opposite of the correct relationship and is incorrect. Raising the temperature promotes evaporation, thereby increasing the concentration of gas particles and increasing the pressure, not decreasing it.

Pass Your Coast Guard Licensing Exams!

Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the Coast Guard Exams app