How does air temperature affect the holding capacity of water vapor?

The correct answer highlights that higher temperatures increase the capacity of air to hold water vapor. This occurs because warmer air molecules have higher energy, which allows them to maintain more moisture before becoming saturated. When the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of water molecules increases, enabling more evaporation and thus allowing the air to accommodate a greater amount of vapor.

Conversely, at lower temperatures, the capacity for air to hold water vapor decreases. As the temperature drops, air becomes saturated more quickly, leading to conditions conducive to condensation and the formation of clouds or precipitation.

While it is true that pressure plays a role in the dynamics of atmospheric conditions, it is the temperature that primarily dictates how much water vapor can be retained by the air at any given moment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between temperature and water vapor capacity is crucial in meteorology and aviation, as it impacts weather patterns and flight conditions.