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What is the definition of critical pressure?

  1. The pressure required to maintain solid state of a substance

  2. The pressure needed to liquefy a gas

  3. The atmospheric pressure at sea level

  4. The minimum pressure necessary to compress a liquid

The correct answer is: The pressure needed to liquefy a gas

The definition of critical pressure is the pressure needed to liquefy a gas at its critical temperature. At this specific point, the properties of the gas and liquid phases become indistinguishable, meaning that the substance cannot exist as a gas above this temperature, regardless of how much pressure is applied. This is crucial in applications involving refrigeration and chemical processes where gases are transformed into liquids. Understanding critical pressure is vital for safe and effective handling, storage, and transport of various substances, particularly in the context of hazardous materials. This concept helps technicians determine the conditions required to manage gases effectively in both emergencies and routine operations.