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
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34.07% Correct | 65.93% Incorrect
Last Solution submitted on Apr 20, 2025

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