For liquids which of the following affect vapor pressure? Intermolecular forces, humidity, temperature, volume, and/or surface area?

Question

For liquids which of the following affect vapor pressure? List all of the ones that apply. Intermolecular forces, humidity, temperature, and/or surface area?

Answer 1

Allie,

 

Collectively, your question is addressing factors that are collectively called the "colligative properties".  

 

 

IMFs definitely affect VP!  If they are strong, such as the "hydrogen bonding" IMF that occurs between a H which is itself bound to F, O or N on one molecule interacting with perhaps an unshared pair of electrons on an adjacent molecule the boiling point is significantly higher than expected.

 

So, hydrogen bonding between molecules of liquid water are more tightly held to each other, escape into the atmosphere less, keeping humidity low.  

 

If you heat the water, the hydrogen bonding can be "overcome" and water molecules "vaporize" from say the surface of a lake or pond increasing the humidity.  The more surface area the lake or pond has, the more surface water molecules absorb energy from the surroundings (sun) and the more evaporation/humidity present. 

 

Hope this helps!