What is a hygrometer?

Q: What is a hygrometer?


A: A hygrometer is a meteorological instrument used to measure the humidity of the air.

Q: How does a hygrometer work?


A: A hygrometer works by using a material that attracts moisture. This material changes depending on how hydrated it is. A hygrometer has two bulbs: one wet and one dry. Both bulbs are like thermometers, though one is covered with a wet or dry towel. After a period of time, the water on the bulb evaporates and at that time, the temperature is measured on each bulb. The difference between the temperatures is noted.

Q: What is relative humidity?


A: Relative humidity is a ratio, so it has no unit.

Q: How is relative humidity calculated?


A: Each of the temperatures are used on a chart to find the relative humidity of that temperature and area.

Q: What does a small difference between the temperature of the bulbs show?


A: A small difference between the temperature of the bulbs shows a high relative humidity coming from a low evaporation rate.

Q: What does a large difference in temperature show?


A: In dry air, evaporation takes place faster showing a large difference in temperature thus giving a low relative humidity.

Q: How many bulbs does a hygrometer have?


A: A hygrometer has two bulbs: one wet and one dry.

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