°F
Wet bulb temperature is a term used in meteorology that describes the lowest temperature air can reach through the evaporation of water only. It is a unique metric and is not used too often.
Wet bulb temperature is typically measured using a thermometer that has its bulb wrapped in a wet cloth and is then exposed to airflow. As the water on the cloth evaporates, it absorbs heat from the thermometer, lowering the temperature. This is a direct measure of the potential for evaporative cooling.
The wet bulb temperature is always equal to or lower than the air temperature. It depends on both temperature and humidity. In highly humid conditions, less water can evaporate; hence, the wet bulb temperature approaches the actual air temperature. Conversely, in dry conditions, more water can evaporate, significantly lowering the wet bulb temperature compared to the air temperature.
Being a less common metric that is calculated and utilized in real life, you may be wondering how it is applied to aspects of our life. These are some of the ways it is used.
It helps in predicting heat stress in humans and animals. A higher wet bulb temperature indicates higher humidity and potential discomfort or danger to living beings, as it implies conditions where the body cannot cool itself efficiently through evaporation (sweating).
Engineers use wet bulb temperature to determine the properties of air in air conditioning systems, including the system's efficiency and required capacity.
Create Date: June 18, 2024
Last Modified Date: July 5, 2024
