Thanks. The section on "How much moisture can the air "hold"?" was very interesting (to me). I should perhaps have stated that I know how to calculate relative humidity at sea level. I'm trying to factor atmospheric pressure into that calculation. Although it's possible I missed an indirect connection, I don't think the article addressedLnewqban said:
Good point -- the OP asks about RH specifically (pressure doesn't matter) and the psych chart in general (pressure does matter to some of the other parameters).Dullard said:
Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in determining the amount of water vapor that can exist in the air. As pressure increases, the air molecules are pushed closer together, making it more difficult for water vapor to escape into the atmosphere. This results in a decrease in relative humidity.
Yes, it is important to factor in atmospheric pressure when calculating relative humidity because it directly affects the amount of water vapor that can be present in the air. Ignoring atmospheric pressure can lead to inaccurate calculations and predictions.
To factor in atmospheric pressure, you will need to use the ideal gas law, which states that the pressure of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature and the number of gas molecules present. By plugging in the values for temperature, pressure, and the gas constant, you can calculate the number of water vapor molecules present and determine the relative humidity.
Yes, any changes in atmospheric pressure, such as a decrease or increase in altitude, can affect the relative humidity. As pressure decreases, the air molecules spread out, making it easier for water vapor to escape into the atmosphere, resulting in an increase in relative humidity. Conversely, an increase in pressure will cause a decrease in relative humidity.
Humidity does not directly affect atmospheric pressure. However, as the amount of water vapor in the air increases, the air becomes less dense, leading to a decrease in atmospheric pressure. This is because water vapor molecules are lighter than other air molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen.