Wet-bulb temperature

Wet-bulb temperature is a type of temperature measurement that uses evaporation to cool a thermometer bulb. It is named after the method of its measurement, which involves wrapping a water-soaked cloth around the bulb of a thermometer and then blowing air over it. The temperature that the thermometer reads is the wet-bulb temperature.

Measurement

The wet-bulb temperature is measured using a device known as a psychrometer, which consists of two thermometers. One thermometer measures the ambient temperature, while the other, wrapped in a water-soaked cloth, measures the wet-bulb temperature. The difference between the two temperatures is known as the wet-bulb depression.

Applications

Wet-bulb temperature is used in various fields, including meteorology, where it is used to measure humidity. It is also used in the HVAC industry to determine the enthalpy of air, which is useful for sizing air conditioning systems. In addition, it is used in health and safety regulations to determine safe working conditions in hot environments.

Wet-bulb globe temperature

The wet-bulb temperature is a component of the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), which is a composite temperature used to estimate the effect of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation on humans. It is used by industrial hygienists, athletes, and the military to determine appropriate exposure levels to high temperatures.

See also

• Dry-bulb temperature
• Dew point
• Relative humidity
• Heat index

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