If a gaseous anesthetic has a higher vapor pressure, what does this indicate about its volatility?

• A. Lower volatility
• B. Higher volatility
• C. No relation
• D. Only relates to condensation

Answer: (B)

Volatility is how easily a substance vaporizes. Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid at a given temperature. If a substance has a higher vapor pressure at that temperature, more molecules are in the vapor phase, so it evaporates more readily. That means higher volatility. (Higher vapor pressure also aligns with a lower boiling point, reinforcing why it’s more volatile at a given temperature.)