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dew-point hygrometer

meteorology
Also known as: condensation hygrometer

Quick Summary

A dew-point hygrometer is an instrument used in meteorology to measure humidity by determining the dew point temperature. The dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated with water vapor and condensation begins to form, assuming constant pressure and vapor content. This temperature provides an indication of the air's humidity.123

A dew-point hygrometer typically works by cooling a polished surface until moisture condenses on it. The temperature at which this condensation occurs is the dew point. This measurement is valuable in meteorology for predicting cloud bases and understanding how comfortable the air will feel, as dew point is a more direct indicator of perceived humidity than relative humidity.234

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