As air temperature rises, its capacity to hold water vapor usually____.

As air temperature rises, its capacity to hold water vapor usually increases. This is primarily due to the physical properties of gases; warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air. The relationship is governed by the concept of saturation vapor pressure, which indicates that for every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, the air's capacity to hold water vapor approximately doubles.

This means that as temperatures rise, the air is able to accommodate more water molecules, which is critical for processes such as evaporation and condensation. Warmer air encourages greater evaporation from bodies of water and surfaces, further elevating humidity levels. This phenomenon plays a significant role in weather patterns, atmospheric dynamics, and the water cycle.

The capacity for holding water vapor does not decrease or remain the same as temperature increases; it consistently rises, reflecting the fundamental scientific principles relating to temperature and gas behavior.