Wet-bulb temperature
Wet-bulb temperature
The Wet-bulb temperature (pronunciation: wɛt bʌlb ˈtɛmpərətʃər) is a type of temperature measurement that is vital in the field of meteorology and physical geography.
Etymology
The term "wet-bulb" is derived from the method of measurement, which involves a bulb thermometer wrapped in a wet muslin cloth. The "temperature" part of the term refers to the degree of heat present in a substance or object.
Definition
The wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be achieved by evaporative cooling, assuming that the process occurs at a constant pressure and the heat required for evaporation is supplied by the substance itself. It is the temperature read by a thermometer covered in water-soaked cloth (wet-bulb thermometer) over which air is passed.
Related Terms
- Dry-bulb temperature: The temperature of air measured by a thermometer freely exposed to the air but shielded from radiation and moisture.
- Dew point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated (100% relative humidity) with water vapor.
- Relative humidity: The amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air could hold at the same temperature, expressed as a percentage.
- Psychrometric chart: A graphical representation of the psychrometric properties of air.
Applications
The wet-bulb temperature is used in weather forecasting and climatology, particularly in the calculation of heat index and dew point. It is also used in the design of cooling towers and evaporative coolers, and in the assessment of heat stress in humans and animals.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wet-bulb temperature
- Wikipedia's article - Wet-bulb temperature
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