How does humidity affect conductivity of air?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the effect of humidity on the conductivity of air, specifically focusing on electrical conductivity. Participants explore the relationship between humidity levels and the insulating properties of air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the impact of humidity on air conductivity, noting that dry air is considered a better insulator than normal air.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to thermal or electrical conductivity.
  • A participant clarifies that the focus is on electrical conductivity and references a source that explains how water molecules in humid air can help dissipate excess charge, suggesting that high humidity reduces static charge buildup.
  • The same participant notes that dry air conditions lead to increased static charge accumulation and more frequent electric shocks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple viewpoints regarding the relationship between humidity and electrical conductivity, with no consensus reached on the implications of these effects.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different aspects of conductivity without resolving the underlying assumptions about how humidity interacts with electrical properties of air.

AakashPandita
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How does humidity affect conductivity of air?

I am asking this that because I read that dry air is better insulator than normal air.
 
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AakashPandita said:
How does humidity affect conductivity of air?

I am asking this that because I read that dry air is better insulator than normal air.

Do you find some graphs when you Google the subject?
 
Are you talking about thermal conductivity or electrical conductivity?

Chet
 
I was talking about electrical conductivity.
Just after I submitted this thread I found the answer in another page I was reading.
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-1/Conductors-and-Insulators
i.e.
Water has a tendency to gradually remove excess charge from objects. When the humidity is high, a person acquiring an excess charge will tend to lose that charge to water molecules in the surrounding air. On the other hand, dry air conditions are more conducive to the buildup of static charge and more frequent electric shocks.
 

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