Problem 56343. Partial Pressure of Water Vapor from Relative Humidity

Buck (1996, 1981) published the following constants for the saturation pressure of water*:
  • 6.1121 (mb)
The saturation pressure, , in millibars, can be found the Atmospheric Temperature, T, given in Celcius:
The vapor pressure of water (partial pressure of water), , in millibars, can be found from the Relative Humidity, , as a percentage value, and the saturation pressure, , in millibars, using:
Write a function to calculate the vapor pressure of water given temperature in Celcius and Relative Humidity as a percentage value. The dimensions of input values (either both scalar or both vector) should be the same. If they are not, return a value of -1.
* Note: For humidifiers and other devices that make conversions, use the vendor contants.
According to (https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/relative-humidity-air-d_687.html) Relative humidity (RH) should be within certain limits for control of the health aspect.
  • Bacteri : 20 - 70% RH
  • Viruses : 40 - 80% RH
  • Fungi : 0 - 70% RH
  • Mites : 0 - 60% RH
  • Respiratory infections : 40 - 50% RH
  • Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma : 40 - 60% RH
  • Chemical interactions : 0 - 40% RH
  • Ozone production : 75 - 100% RH
  • Combined Health Conditions : 40 - 60% RH
In general - relative humidity for human comfort ranges 30 - 60% RH.
Buck, A. L. (1981), "New equations for computing vapor pressure and enhancement factor", J. Appl. Meteorol., 20: 1527–1532
Solve

Solution Stats

33.98% Correct | 66.02% Incorrect
Last Solution submitted on May 02, 2025

Problem Comments

Solution Comments

Show comments

Problem Recent Solvers108

Suggested Problems

More from this Author10

Problem Tags

weather

Community Treasure Hunt

Find the treasures in MATLAB Central and discover how the community can help you!

Start Hunting!