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Relative Humidity Equation:
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Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at a given temperature. It expresses the present state of absolute humidity relative to a maximum humidity at the same temperature.
The calculator uses the relative humidity equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the percentage of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature.
Details: Accurate relative humidity measurement is crucial for weather forecasting, HVAC systems, industrial processes, agricultural applications, and maintaining comfortable indoor environments.
Tips: Enter vapor pressure and saturation pressure in Pascals (Pa). Both values must be positive, and saturation pressure should be greater than or equal to vapor pressure for valid results.
Q1: What is the difference between relative humidity and absolute humidity?
A: Relative humidity is a percentage of moisture relative to maximum capacity at a given temperature, while absolute humidity is the actual mass of water vapor in a given volume of air.
Q2: What are typical relative humidity ranges?
A: Comfortable indoor RH is typically 30-50%. Below 30% can cause dryness, above 60% can promote mold growth and feel uncomfortable.
Q3: How does temperature affect relative humidity?
A: Warmer air can hold more moisture, so relative humidity decreases as temperature increases (if moisture content remains constant), and vice versa.
Q4: Why is relative humidity important in weather forecasting?
A: RH helps predict precipitation, fog formation, and is crucial for understanding heat index and human comfort levels.
Q5: What instruments measure relative humidity?
A: Hygrometers, psychrometers, and modern digital sensors are commonly used to measure relative humidity in various applications.