How does pressure influence the boiling temperature of a liquid?

The correct answer is that increasing pressure raises the boiling point of a liquid. This concept is rooted in the fundamental principles of physics regarding the relationship between pressure and phase changes.

When the pressure exerted on a liquid increases, the molecules within that liquid require more energy (in the form of heat) to overcome the greater pressure surrounding them in order to transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase. As a result, the boiling point—the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the surrounding pressure—increases.

In practical terms, this is why, for instance, water boils at a higher temperature in a pressure cooker than it does at normal atmospheric pressure. The cooker traps steam and increases the pressure, raising the boiling point and allowing food to cook faster.

This understanding is essential in HVAC and refrigeration contexts, where manipulating pressures and temperatures is crucial for system efficiency and performance.