Partial Pressure vs. Vapor Pressure: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 17, 2023
Partial Pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a particular gas in a mixture, whereas Vapor Pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid phase.
Key Differences
Partial Pressure is the pressure of a specific gas component in a mixture of gases. Vapor Pressure, on the other hand, denotes the pressure of a vapor above its liquid in a closed system when they are in equilibrium.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
While Partial Pressure can be used to describe any component of a gas mixture, Vapor Pressure specifically deals with the equilibrium pressure of vapors arising from liquids or solids.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
The Partial Pressure of a gas in a mixture depends on its mole fraction and the total pressure of the mixture. Vapor Pressure, conversely, is dependent on the temperature and the inherent properties of the liquid or solid.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Dalton's law is often used to determine the Partial Pressure of gases in a mixture by multiplying the mole fraction of the gas by the total pressure. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation is commonly used to relate Vapor Pressure with temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Understanding Partial Pressure is crucial in fields like respiratory physiology, where it helps in analyzing gas exchange. Vapor Pressure plays a significant role in areas like distillation and evaporation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pressure of a specific gas in a mixture
Pressure of vapor above its liquid or solid at equilibrium
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Context
Any component of a gas mixture
Equilibrium pressure of vapors from liquids or solids
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Factors Affecting
Mole fraction and total pressure
Temperature and properties of the liquid or solid
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Application Areas
Respiratory physiology, gas mixtures
Distillation, evaporation, phase transitions
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
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Partial Pressure and Vapor Pressure Definitions
Partial Pressure
A concept derived from Dalton's law.
Using Dalton's law, the Partial Pressure of nitrogen in the atmosphere can be calculated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vapor Pressure
A concept crucial in phase transitions.
At its boiling point, a liquid's Vapor Pressure equals the external pressure.
Harlon Moss
Oct 13, 2023
Partial Pressure
Relates to how gases contribute to total pressure.
In a mixture, each gas's Partial Pressure sums up to the mixture's total pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vapor Pressure
Determines the tendency of a substance to evaporate.
A high Vapor Pressure indicates a substance will readily evaporate.
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Oct 13, 2023
Partial Pressure
A measure of the concentration of individual gases.
The Partial Pressure of carbon dioxide in blood indicates respiratory efficiency.
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Oct 13, 2023
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Vapor Pressure
Relates to how volatile a substance is.
Gasoline, with a high Vapor Pressure, is quite volatile.
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Oct 13, 2023
Partial Pressure
The pressure exerted by a specific component in a gas mixture.
In our atmosphere, the Partial Pressure of oxygen is about 21% of the total atmospheric pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Vapor Pressure
The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its condensed phase.
Water has a Vapor Pressure that increases with temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Partial Pressure
The individual pressure of a gas if it occupied the whole volume.
If helium alone filled a balloon, its Partial Pressure would equal the balloon's total pressure.
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Oct 13, 2023
Vapor Pressure
An intrinsic property of a substance at a specific temperature.
The Vapor Pressure of ethanol is higher than that of water at the same temperature.
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Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Does increasing the concentration of a gas raise its Partial Pressure?
Yes, a higher concentration means a higher Partial Pressure for that gas.
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Oct 16, 2023
How does temperature affect Vapor Pressure?
As temperature increases, Vapor Pressure typically rises.
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Oct 16, 2023
Can Vapor Pressure exceed atmospheric pressure?
Yes, when a liquid's Vapor Pressure equals atmospheric pressure, it boils.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Is Vapor Pressure only seen in closed systems?
For Vapor Pressure to be in equilibrium with its liquid phase, a closed system is essential.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Is Partial Pressure only applicable to gas mixtures?
Primarily, yes. It refers to individual gases in a mixture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
How does altitude affect the Partial Pressure of oxygen?
At higher altitudes, the Partial Pressure of oxygen is lower, making breathing difficult.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Why do volatile liquids have high Vapor Pressure?
Volatile liquids easily evaporate, resulting in a high Vapor Pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
How is Partial Pressure used in scuba diving?
It helps determine the breathing gas mix at different depths.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Does every gas in a mixture have a Partial Pressure?
Yes, each component has its own Partial Pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
What is the significance of Partial Pressure in breathing?
Partial Pressure determines the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanged in the lungs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
How does a gas mask filter work concerning Partial Pressure?
Gas masks use the principle of differing Partial Pressure to remove harmful gases.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Do all liquids at the same temperature have the same Vapor Pressure?
No, Vapor Pressure is specific to each liquid and varies with temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Is Vapor Pressure dependent on the amount of liquid?
No, Vapor Pressure is an intrinsic property and depends only on temperature.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
How do gas laws relate to Partial Pressure?
Dalton's law, in particular, describes the relationship between gases in a mixture and their Partial Pressure.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
What happens to Vapor Pressure at the critical point of a substance?
At the critical point, Vapor Pressure is undefined as liquid and gas phases merge.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Can Partial Pressure be negative?
No, pressures, including Partial Pressure, cannot be negative.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can solids have Vapor Pressure?
Yes, solids can sublimate and have an associated Vapor Pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Why does a liquid with high Vapor Pressure evaporate quickly?
High Vapor Pressure indicates stronger tendencies for molecules to escape the liquid phase.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
In a sealed container, can the Partial Pressure of a gas change?
If the temperature and quantity of gas remain constant, its Partial Pressure won't change.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Why do liquids boil faster at higher altitudes concerning Vapor Pressure?
At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, so the Vapor Pressure of a liquid equals it at a lower temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
