The pressure exerted by molecules of a substance in the vapour state, at equilibrium with molecules of the same substance in the liquid state, within a closed container. The magnitude of the vapour pressure exerted depends on the temperature and the identity of the liquid; it does not depend on the amount of liquid in the container. The saturated vapour pressure of water at 0 °C is 610 N m−2, rising to 2340 N m−2 at 20 °C and 7380 N m−2 at 40 °C. See also partial pressure.