Re: [Phys-l] Water vapor condensation

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

Savinainen Antti wrote:
> Hi,
>
> a student of mine is doing a HS project in which she is seeking for a correlation between relative humidity and temperature difference of a surface and air. Her idea is to use a plate that is taken from a freezer and measure the mass of water condensed onto the plate within a certain time frame. Obviously, among other things, the mass depends on the area of the plate. 
>
> I was wondering whether of not any other properties of the *surface* besides the area, temperature difference might affect the condensing. Could you suggest a useful reference related to the project topic? AJP and TPT has already been 
> looked for.
>
> Regards,
>
> Antti
>
>
>
> Antti Savinainen, Ph.D., B.Ed.
I recall that in arid regions, locations where atmospheric moisture can 
be induced to settle
are greatly prized.      My memory of such locations is dim, but I seem 
to recall that
locations where ascending sea breezes encounter particular desert 
features , perhaps near dawn,
are involved. It goes without saying, that  advantageous design 
features of such condensation
sites would be valuable to subsistence nomads  i.e this could provide 
an 'appropriate
technology' initiative.

Brian W