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Relative Humidity Formula:
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Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the current amount of water vapor in the air to the maximum amount that the air could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. It's a crucial parameter in meteorology, HVAC systems, and various industrial processes.
The calculator uses the relative humidity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of moisture in the air relative to the maximum moisture the air can hold at that temperature.
Details: Accurate relative humidity measurement is essential for weather forecasting, climate control in buildings, industrial processes, agricultural applications, and maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments.
Tips: Enter actual vapor pressure and saturation vapor pressure in hectopascals (hPa). Both values must be positive, and actual vapor pressure cannot exceed saturation vapor pressure.
Q1: What is the difference between relative humidity and absolute humidity?
A: Relative humidity is a percentage of moisture relative to maximum capacity at a given temperature, while absolute humidity is the actual mass of water vapor per volume of air.
Q2: What are typical relative humidity ranges?
A: Comfortable indoor RH is typically 30-50%. Below 30% can cause dryness, above 60% can promote mold growth and feel uncomfortable.
Q3: How does temperature affect relative humidity?
A: As temperature increases, air can hold more moisture, so relative humidity decreases if moisture content remains constant, and vice versa.
Q4: What instruments measure vapor pressure?
A: Psychrometers, hygrometers, and modern electronic sensors can measure vapor pressure directly or calculate it from temperature and dew point measurements.
Q5: Why is relative humidity important in different applications?
A: It affects human comfort, preservation of materials, industrial processes, agricultural yields, and is crucial for weather prediction and climate studies.