Humidity definitions and measurement devices

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Humidity is defined in three ways: absolute, relative, and specific. Commercial devices, like those found in clocks, typically measure relative humidity (RH) as a percentage, indicating the ratio of current water vapor to the maximum possible at a given temperature. Percentages of relative humidity cannot exceed 100%, as this would indicate saturation, often leading to precipitation in non-tropical climates. In tropical regions, relative humidity can reach 95-100% without rain, creating uncomfortable conditions. The measurement of humidity is influenced by air temperature and pressure, highlighting the significant capacity of air to hold moisture.
Delta2
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I know there are three definitions of humidity. Absolute , relative and specific. Can you tell me if on a typical commercial device (such as the one i have in a clock i have) that measures humidity as percentage is it the relative humidity that it measures? Can the percentage become greater than 100%?
 
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Delta² said:
Can you tell me if on a typical commercial device (such as the one i have in a clock i have) that measures humidity as percentage is it the relative humidity that it measures?

When measured as a percentage, its a reference to RH - relative humidity its measuring the relative difference between absolute humidity ( actual water content) and the maximum water content that the air can have at a given temperature

Delta² said:
Can the percentage become greater than 100%?

not that I have ever seen or heard of

... in non tropical climates, 100% would usually mean its raining. In tropical climates, I have often seen 95 - 100% and still not raining, but ohhhh gosh, the air is just so unbearable and "sticky"
Air temperature and pressure have a large bearing on this

It never ceases to amaze me how much moisture the air can hold as invisible vapour

Dave
 
davenn said:
relative humidity its measuring the relative difference between absolute humidity ( actual water content) and the maximum water content that the air can have at a given temperature

More precisely, it's the ratio of the water vapor partial pressure in the air to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the air temperature.

Chet
 
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LOL yup ... didn't want to go too deep :wink:
 
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