In this experiment you will determine the dew point of the outside air. The dew point is defined as the temperature at which water vapor begins to condense. Condensation happens when air cools to the dew point temperature, and the water vapor in the air changes to liquid. Usually the air high up in the sky is cooler than on the ground, so that is where condensation happens. Condensation up in the sky makes clouds.
Dew points indicate the amount moisture in the air.
The higher the dew points, the more moisture there is in the air at a given temperature. Therefore, if the air cools, moisture must be removed from the air and this is accomplished through condensation. This process results in the formation of tiny water droplets that can lead to the development of fog, frost, clouds, or even precipitation. In this lab you will determine the dew point temperature for the air outside the school. You will carefully cool a bucket of water until condensation forms on the outside.