How does pressure influence the boiling point of a liquid?

Pressure has a significant impact on the boiling point of a liquid. Under normal circumstances, liquids boil when their vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure. When the atmospheric pressure increases, the vapor pressure required for the liquid to boil also rises. Therefore, a liquid will require a higher temperature to reach this vapor pressure and begin boiling, which is why increased pressure leads to an elevation in the boiling point.

For example, this principle is applied in pressure cookers. The sealed environment increases the internal pressure, allowing water to boil at temperatures above 100°C (212°F), thus cooking food faster.

Understanding the relationship between pressure and boiling point is essential in various industrial processes where control of boiling points is critical for safety and efficiency.