How much water is in a typical cumulus cloud?

  • Thread starter kevinf
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So for the lower limit, you would multiply the volume of the sphere by 50 and for the upper limit, you would multiply the volume of the sphere by 500. In summary, a cubic centimeter in a typical cumulus cloud contains 50 to 500 water drops with a typical radius of 10 µm. To determine the lower and upper limit, you need to find the volume of a 10 µm sphere and multiply it by 50 and 500 respectively. Then, you need to calculate the volume of the cloud by finding the area of a circle with a radius of 1.0 km and multiplying it by the height of the cloud, 2.7 km.
  • #1
kevinf
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Homework Statement


A cubic centimeter in a typical cumulus cloud contains 50 to 500 water drops, which have a typical radius of 10 µm. For that range, give the lower value and the higher value, respectively, for the following.
(a) How many cubic meters of water are in a cylindrical cumulus cloud of height 2.7 km and radius 1.0 km?
give the lower and upper limit

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i have converted the units to m cube because that's what the answer wants but i just don't know how to continue
 
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  • #2
You need to work out the volume of a sphere 10um in diameter - this and the 50-500 gives you the volume of water in 1 cc
Then you need to know how many cubic cm there are in a cubic metre.

The volume of the cloud is the area of circle of radius 1.0km times the height 2.7km, work this out in cubic metres.
 
  • #3
so do i multiply the volume of the sphere with 50 and 500 separately
 
  • #4
Yes you would because it says to give the upper and lower limit.
 

1. What are cumulus clouds?

Cumulus clouds are puffy, white or light grey clouds that are formed by rising air currents. They are often associated with fair weather but can also develop into thunderstorms.

2. How are cumulus clouds formed?

Cumulus clouds are formed when warm air rises and cools, causing water vapor to condense into visible clouds. This can happen due to the heating of the Earth's surface by the sun or when warm and cold fronts meet.

3. What is the difference between cumulus clouds and other types of clouds?

Cumulus clouds are distinguished by their distinct puffy shape and flat base. They are also typically lower in altitude compared to other types of clouds such as cirrus or stratus clouds.

4. Can cumulus clouds produce precipitation?

Yes, cumulus clouds can produce precipitation in the form of rain or snow. As the water droplets in the cloud grow and become heavier, they can fall to the ground as precipitation.

5. What is the role of cumulus clouds in the water cycle?

Cumulus clouds play an important role in the water cycle by helping to transport water vapor from the Earth's surface to the upper atmosphere. When the water vapor in these clouds condenses and falls as precipitation, it replenishes the Earth's water supply.

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