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In Social Studies / Middle School | 2014-05-13

A weather report states that the relative humidity is 40%. What does this value mean?

Asked by teagankelley

Answer (3)

it indicates how moist the air is basically here its saying that theres 40% moisture

Answered by selenalu33 | 2024-06-10

When a weather report states that the relative humidity is 40%, it means that the air contains 40% of the water vapor it is capable of holding at that temperature and pressure. Relative humidity is a ratio, typically expressed as a percent, of the current water vapor content in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a given temperature. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the relative humidity can change as temperatures go up or down. For instance, if we're considering air at 30°C with a specific humidity of 15 grams per kilogram (g/kg), and the saturation specific humidity at that temperature is approximately 30 g/kg, the relative humidity would be 50%. At 100% relative humidity, the air is saturated, meaning it cannot hold any more water vapor, leading to possibilities of fog or precipitation if additional water vapor is introduced.

Answered by BishopBriggs | 2024-06-24

A relative humidity of 40% indicates that the air contains 40% of the maximum water vapor it can hold at that temperature and pressure. This measure is important for understanding weather conditions and human comfort. The ability of air to hold moisture varies with temperature, with warmer air having a higher capacity for water vapor.
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Answered by BishopBriggs | 2024-12-20