G.I.
Practice: Relative Humidity
Section 1 - Relative Humidity GI
Some students in Peirce Secondary school were investigating weather conditions in their school. One
group studied temperature and relative humidity. Their hypothesis was, ‘When temperature increases,
relative humidity decreases.’
They took measurements of the temperature in their school garden for ten days. The result of their
investigation is shown in Fig. 1 and the relative humidity chart the students referred to is in Fig. 2.
Fig. 1 - Results of the students' investigation
Fig. 2 - Relative Humidity Chart
Using information from Fig. 1 & 2, calculate the relative humidity on Day 2.
Dry Bulb Temp. → 29 degree celsius
Difference between Dry and Wet-Bulb Temp. → 4 degree celsius
R.H. → 73%
Using information from Fig. 1 & 2, calculate the relative humidity on Day 6.
Dry Bulb Temp. → 30 degree celsius
Difference between Dry and Wet-Bulb Temp. → 5 degree celsius
R.H. → 67%
Name one instrument, other than a weather tracker, which can be used to
measure relative humidity.
A sling psychrometer. (aka Whirling Hygrometer)
State the steps that students could take to ensure that their relative humidity
measurements were as accurate as possible.
1. Create a recording sheet with boxes and labels for recording the dry-bulb
temperature, wet-bulb temperature and relative humidity for each day.
2. Before wetting the wet-bulb thermometer, ensure that temperatures on both
wet and dry-bulb thermometers are the same to obtain accurate results. (If
different temperatures are shown, inaccurate results will be obtained when
calculating relative humidity.)
3. Fill the reservoir (dip the wick of the wet-bulb thermometer in water, water
evaporates from the wick as the sling psychrometer is swung) with water to
wet the wet-bulb thermometer and swing the instrument overhead and away
from the body (the psychrometer should not pick up your body heat as it will
affect the results) for 1 minute.
4. Read thermometer to obtain temperature of wet and dry-bulbs at eye level to
avoid parallax error and record on recording sheet.
5. Use R.H. conversion chart to derive R.H. percentage (%)
6. Repeat this 2 to 3 times and take the average for more accurate readings.
Correct answers
Keep the sling psychrometer far from your body
Read temperature at eye level
Take reading at the same time every day
Dip the wick in water of room temperature
Using the information from Fig. 1, plot a comparative line graph for the mean
daily temperature and relative humidity over the ten days.
With reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and the graph you have constructed, state if the
hypothesis ‘When temperature increases, relative humidity decreases.’ is proven.
Give evidence to support your answer.
No, the hypothesis is not proven as it is not always true. On Day 9, the mean
temperature increased from 28 to 31 degree celsius, an increase of 3 and the relative
humidity decreased from 85% to 72%, a decrease of 13%. However, on Day 3 even
though the mean temperature increased from 30 to 32 degree celsius, an increase of
2, the relative humidity did not decrease. Instead, it increased from 73% to 74%. An
increase of 1%. The similar scenario occurred on Day 7 too. Hence, the hypothesis is
invalid.
Teacher's Answer:
Yes, the hypothesis is proven as temperature does affect relative humidity / days with
higher temperature have lower relative humidity
It is proven as 7 out of 10 days when the mean temperature is 30°C or above, the
relative humidity was all relatively lower (ranging from 67% to 74%).
Also 3 out of 10 days when mean temperature is lower at 28°C or 29°C, relative
humidity is higher at 85% or 86%.
DATA ANALYSIS - Success Criteria
1. Hypothesis - Valid/ Invalid
2. A: 2 Examples with quoted data to show that hypothesis is valid
B: 1 Example with quoted data to show that hypothesis is valid and then 1
Example with quoted data to show that hypothesis is invalid (Rebuttal)
3. Link
Section 2 - Wind GI
A group of students at Madeira Island were investigating the weather conditions at the beach.
They collected data over 14 days in December at 9.00am every day. Table 1 shows the results
of their weather investigation.
Fig. 3 - Data Collected by Student
With reference to Fig. 3, identify the day with the smallest diurnal range.
Day 14, with only 1 fixed temperature at 10 degree celsius.
With reference to Fig. 3, identify the day with the largest diurnal range.
Day 3, with a diurnal range of 8 degree celsius.
Calculate the diurnal temperature range for the following days.
Day 1: 6 degree celsius
Day 2: 6 degree celsius
Day 3: 8 degree celsius
Day 4: 3 degree celsius
Day 5: 2 degree celsius
Identify 2 precautions (based on accuracy & reliability) the students can take
while they are doing their weather investigation at the beach.
A. Use a different weather instruments for each day
B. Conduct the experiment for at least thirty weeks to ensure that weather patterns are
consistent
C. Ensure that the weather instruments are in good working order before the experiment
D. Ensure that readings are taken at eye level to avoid parallax error
Identify the instrument used to collect wind speed data.
An anemometer.
Which is the best location to collect wind speed data?
A. In the classroom with the windows opened
B. On the roof of the science block
C. At the parade square near the staffroom
D. In the corner of the canteen with good ventilation
*Usually taken on top of a tall building or on a pole in an open area to ensure that the
flow of wind is unobstructed
Some students thought that there is a relationship between wind speed and
diurnal temperature range. Their hypothesis is ‘The higher the diurnal
temperature range, the greater the wind speed.’ Is the hypothesis proven?
Give evidence to support your answer.
No, the hypothesis is not proven as it is not always true. On Day 1, the diurnal
temperature range was 11 - 17 degree celsius, a range of 6 degree celsius and the
wind speed was 3 m/s. When the diurnal temperature increased on Day 3, from 8 to
16 degree celsius, a range of 8 degree celsius, an increase of 2 from Day 1, wind
speed increased too from 3 m/s to 11 m/s, an increase of 8 m/s. However, when the
diurnal temperature range decreased on Day 4, a range of 2 degree celsius (10 - 12
degree celsius), a decrease of 4 degree celsius from Day 1, the wind speed did not
decrease. Instead, it increased from 3 m/s to 6 m/s. Therefore, the hypothesis is
invalid.
