Humidity
Atmospheric humidity. Saturated vapor and psychrometer – hygrometer
What do you know about atmospheric humidity, absolute humidity and relative humidity?
The online atmospheric humidity simulations are a very useful tool to deepen in this concept and to know its measuring instruments, the psychrometer – hygrometer.
The online atmospheric humidity simulations are a very useful tool to deepen in this concept and to know its measuring instruments, the psychrometer – hygrometer.
Atmospheric humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is an essential component of the atmosphere and plays a critical role in climate, meteorology and human well-being. Atmospheric humidity is commonly measured using two main concepts: relative humidity and absolute humidity.
Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture is in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a specific temperature and pressure. It is expressed as a percentage and is calculated by dividing the current vapor pressure by the maximum vapor pressure at that temperature. A relative humidity of 100% means that the air is saturated and can hold no more water vapor.
Absolute humidity, on the other hand, is a direct measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air, usually expressed in grams per cubic meter or grams per kilogram. It can be determined using instruments such as hygrometers or using equations that consider air temperature and pressure.
Atmospheric humidity has several effects on the climate and the environment. For example, high humidity can make the air feel heavier and warmer, as water vapor retains and transfers heat more efficiently than dry air. In addition, high humidity can influence cloud formation and precipitation, as water vapor condenses to form water droplets or ice crystals.
Atmospheric humidity affects our perception of temperature through the heat index. Atmospheric humidity is also important for agriculture, as it affects the ability of the air to support plant life and crop growth.
Below are several simulations and other educational resources, which can also serve as very illustrative examples. In addition, a selection of books and courses is included to help you broaden your knowledge of this subject.
- Saturated I
- Saturated II
- Psychrometer
- Difussion
Saturated vapor I
Liquid water can evaporate and turn into water vapor. Conversely, water vapor in the air can turn into the water again. The “saturation state” is the state in which air contains the maximum amount of water vapor. As the temperature rises, the amount of saturation vapor increases.
Saturated vapor II
Liquid water can evaporate and turn into water vapor. Conversely, water vapor in the air can turn into the water again. The “saturation state” is the state in which air contains the maximum amount of water vapor. As the temperature rises, the amount of saturation vapor increases.
Psychrometer - hygrometer
A psychrometer is a simple device that allows you to determine the humidity by measuring the difference in how much water evaporates. The wet-bulb hygrometer consists of two thermometers, a dry-bulb, and a wet-bulb. Humidity is measured using the temperature difference between the two thermometers.
Diffusion of two gases
Mix two gases to explore diffusion! Experiment with concentration, temperature, mass, and radius and determine how these factors affect the rate of diffusion.
File
Earth Science


Introduction to Deep Earth Science


Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice
Climate


Backyard Meteorology: The Science of Weather


Climate Change in Arctic Environments