1. What is Saturation Vapor Pressure?

Definition: The pressure exerted by water vapor in thermodynamic equilibrium with its condensed phases at a given temperature.

Purpose: Important in meteorology for calculating humidity, dew point, and other atmospheric parameters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Magnus formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Saturation vapor pressure (hPa)
• \( T \) — Temperature (°C)
• \( e \) — Base of natural logarithm (~2.71828)

Explanation: This empirical formula approximates the relationship between temperature and the maximum water vapor pressure.

3. Importance of Saturation Vapor Pressure

Details: Used in weather forecasting, HVAC design, agricultural planning, and industrial processes involving humidity control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the air temperature in Celsius. The calculator will compute the saturation vapor pressure in hectopascals (hPa).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units are used in this calculation?
A: Temperature in Celsius (°C) and result in hectopascals (hPa), which is equivalent to millibars.

Q2: How accurate is this formula?
A: The Magnus formula is accurate to within 0.1% for temperatures between -40°C and 50°C.

Q3: What's the difference between vapor pressure and saturation vapor pressure?
A: Saturation vapor pressure is the maximum possible vapor pressure at a given temperature, while actual vapor pressure depends on humidity.

Q4: Can I use this for temperatures below freezing?
A: Yes, the formula works for sub-zero temperatures, calculating saturation over liquid water even below 0°C.

Q5: How does this relate to relative humidity?
A: Relative humidity = (actual vapor pressure / saturation vapor pressure) × 100%.