What can be inferred about the relationship between absolute humidity and relative humidity?

Prepare for the FAA Aviation Physics Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Access exam tips and practice materials to ace your test!

The correct answer highlights that relative humidity is influenced by temperature in addition to absolute humidity. Absolute humidity is a measure of the actual amount of water vapor present in the air, expressed as a mass of water vapor per unit volume of air, typically in grams per cubic meter. In contrast, relative humidity is a measure of how much water vapor is in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage.

As temperature increases, the capacity of air to hold moisture also increases. Therefore, at a constant amount of water vapor (absolute humidity), changes in temperature will lead to changes in relative humidity. This means that for a specific absolute humidity level, relative humidity can vary significantly with temperature; if the temperature is higher, the relative humidity will be lower since warmer air can hold more moisture before it becomes saturated.

This dynamic interplay is crucial for understanding phenomena such as condensation and the formation of clouds. Knowing that relative humidity is temperature-dependent alongside absolute humidity helps in predicting weather patterns and comfort levels in different environments.

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