How much can the air hold in terms of humidity for every 20°F increase in temperature?

How much can the air hold in terms of humidity for every 20°F increase in temperature?

• A. Remains the same
• B. Decreases by half
• C. Increases by double
• D. Increases by one-third

Answer: (C)

The correct answer indicates that for every 20°F increase in temperature, the air can hold approximately double the amount of humidity. This phenomenon occurs due to the physical properties of air and how temperature affects the capacity of air to hold water vapor. Warmer air has more energy, which allows it to hold more moisture compared to cooler air. As temperature rises, the saturation vapor pressure increases, which means that the amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature significantly increases as well. This is a fundamental principle in meteorology and climatology, which explains why warm air is often associated with higher humidity levels. Understanding this concept is crucial for various applications, including weather forecasting, aviation, and understanding climate patterns.

The correct answer indicates that for every 20°F increase in temperature, the air can hold approximately double the amount of humidity. This phenomenon occurs due to the physical properties of air and how temperature affects the capacity of air to hold water vapor. Warmer air has more energy, which allows it to hold more moisture compared to cooler air.

As temperature rises, the saturation vapor pressure increases, which means that the amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature significantly increases as well. This is a fundamental principle in meteorology and climatology, which explains why warm air is often associated with higher humidity levels.

Understanding this concept is crucial for various applications, including weather forecasting, aviation, and understanding climate patterns.