Relative humidity calculations.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating absolute humidity from a given temperature of 30°C and 30% relative humidity. The user initially employed Antoine's equation to find the partial pressure of water vapor, resulting in an incorrect absolute humidity calculation. The correct method involves using the ideal gas law, specifically the formula pM/RT, and applying the appropriate Antoine constants for temperatures below 60°C. The user realized the need to adjust their calculations by multiplying the mole fraction by 18/29 to convert to absolute humidity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Antoine's equation for vapor pressure calculations
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its application
  • Knowledge of mole fractions and their conversions
  • Basic concepts of psychrometrics and humidity measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ideal gas law and its application in humidity calculations
  • Learn about Antoine constants for various temperature ranges
  • Explore psychrometric charts and their usage in determining humidity
  • Investigate the relationship between mole fraction and absolute humidity
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in meteorology, HVAC engineers, and anyone involved in environmental science or atmospheric studies who require accurate humidity calculations.

maistral
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This is totally pissing me off, I don't know what the heck am I doing wrong.

Alright, so I was given a temperature of 30°C at 30% relative humidity. I have to get the absolute humidity-

So I used Antoine; log(P)=7.96681-1668.21/(228+30); P = 31.6869mmHg.

0.3 x 31.6869 = 9.41517; 9.41517/(760-9.41517) = 1.25x10^-2.

Apparently the correct answer is 7.86x10^-3; and an air-water psychrometric chart says 0.008. What on Earth am I doing wrong?EDIT: Nevermind, I forgot that I have to multiply y 18/29.
 
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maistral said:
This is totally pissing me off, I don't know what the heck am I doing wrong.

Alright, so I was given a temperature of 30°C at 30% relative humidity. I have to get the absolute humidity-

So I used Antoine; log(P)=7.96681-1668.21/(228+30); P = 31.6869mmHg.

0.3 x 31.6869 = 9.41517; 9.41517/(760-9.41517) = 1.25x10^-2.

Apparently the correct answer is 7.86x10^-3; and an air-water psychrometric chart says 0.008. What on Earth am I doing wrong?


EDIT: Nevermind, I forgot that I have to multiply y 18/29.

What you calculated was the mole fraction of water vapor. The absolute humidity is defined as the density of water vapor in the air, in units of gm/m3. You need to use the ideal gas law to calculate the absolute humidity: pM/RT
 
The Antoine constants you used are also valid from 60C to 150C.
For temps of 0C to 60C, the following constants are used:

A=8.10765
B=1750.286
C=235.0
 

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