1. What is Saturation Vapor Pressure?

Saturation vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases at a given temperature. It represents the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a specific temperature.

2. How Does the Magnus Formula Work?

The calculator uses the Magnus formula:

Where:

• \( e_s \) — Saturation vapor pressure (hPa)
• \( T \) — Temperature (°C)
• \( \exp \) — Exponential function

Explanation: The Magnus formula provides an empirical relationship between temperature and the saturation vapor pressure of water, with coefficients optimized for accuracy in typical atmospheric conditions.

3. Importance of Saturation Vapor Pressure Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of saturation vapor pressure is essential for meteorological forecasting, humidity measurement, climate studies, and various engineering applications involving air-water systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter temperature in degrees Celsius. The calculator will compute the saturation vapor pressure in hectopascals (hPa) using the Magnus formula.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the range of validity for the Magnus formula?
A: The Magnus formula is generally accurate for temperatures between -45°C and 60°C, which covers most meteorological applications.

Q2: How does saturation vapor pressure change with temperature?
A: Saturation vapor pressure increases exponentially with temperature, meaning warmer air can hold significantly more water vapor than colder air.

Q3: What are typical values of saturation vapor pressure?
A: At 0°C: ~6.11 hPa, at 20°C: ~23.39 hPa, at 40°C: ~73.78 hPa. The values approximately double for every 10°C temperature increase.

Q4: Are there alternative formulas for calculating saturation vapor pressure?
A: Yes, other formulas include the Goff-Gratch equation, Arden Buck equation, and Tetens formula, each with slightly different coefficients and ranges of validity.

Q5: Why is saturation vapor pressure important in weather forecasting?
A: It's crucial for determining relative humidity, dew point, and predicting fog, cloud formation, and precipitation events.