What does it mean for a substance to have a high vapor pressure?

A substance with a high vapor pressure indicates that it can easily vaporize, meaning it readily transitions from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase at a given temperature. This characteristic is often associated with weaker intermolecular forces, which allow the molecules to escape into the vapor state more easily. In practice, this means that substances like alcohols or certain hydrocarbons, which can have high vapor pressures, can readily form vapors at room temperature.

The other options fail to accurately depict the implications of high vapor pressure. A substance that does not easily evaporate would have a low vapor pressure, as strong intermolecular forces would hold the molecules tightly together, preventing them from escaping. Hence, the relationship of vapor pressure to the ease of vaporization is crucial in understanding the behavior of substances in different states.