Condensation occurs when partial pressure is greater than

[Bond03]

Condensation occurs when partial pressure is greater than or equal to the vapor pressure.

can someone explain why this is true?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[McEMCDB]

Well, the vapor pressure in a closed system would be due to the liquid's volatility. Based on the volume of open space above the liquid, some molecules are being released in the gaseous state to fill up this space. This is a process that eventually reaches a state of equilibrium, where evaporation and condensation are going to be occurring simultaneously to maintain the equilibrium.

The equilibrium is reached when the partial pressure of the system becomes equal to the pressure of the released gas (condensation occurs simultaneously with evaporation at this point). If the partial pressure becomes greater than the vapor pressure, some of the gas will be forced to condense to maintain the new state of equilibrium.

 

[Bond03]

got it, thanks !