1. What is Virtual Temperature?

Virtual temperature (T_v) is the temperature that dry air would have if its pressure and density were equal to those of a given sample of moist air. It accounts for the effect of moisture on air density.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the virtual temperature equation:

Where:

• \( T \) — Actual temperature (K)
• \( q \) — Specific humidity (kg/kg)
• 0.61 — Constant derived from the ratio of gas constants and molecular weights

Explanation: The equation adjusts the actual temperature to account for the reduced density of moist air compared to dry air at the same temperature and pressure.

3. Importance of Virtual Temperature

Details: Virtual temperature is crucial in meteorology for accurate calculation of air density, which affects buoyancy, convection, and atmospheric dynamics. It's used in weather prediction models and atmospheric studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter temperature in Kelvin and specific humidity in kg/kg. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use virtual temperature instead of actual temperature?
A: Virtual temperature accounts for the density effects of water vapor, providing more accurate calculations for atmospheric processes.

Q2: What's the typical range of virtual temperature?
A: For Earth's atmosphere, virtual temperature is usually 1-3°C higher than actual temperature, depending on humidity.

Q3: How does virtual temperature affect air density?
A: Moist air is less dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure. Virtual temperature quantifies this effect.

Q4: When is virtual temperature most important?
A: It's particularly important in tropical regions with high humidity and in atmospheric convection calculations.

Q5: Can I use Celsius or Fahrenheit for input?
A: The calculator requires Kelvin. Convert Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15, or Fahrenheit to Kelvin via (F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15.