Question

How does the Clausius-Clapeyron Equation help in meteorology?

• A. It predicts weather patterns.
• B. It explains changes in atmospheric pressure.
• C. It calculates the rate of change of vapor pressure with temperature.
• D. It determines the thermal conductivity of the atmosphere.

Hint:

Clausius-Clapeyron Equation. Relates saturation vapor pressure, temperature, and latent heat of vaporization (\(de_s/dT\)). Fundamental for understanding atmospheric moisture and condensation processes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Clausius-Clapeyron equation relates the change in saturation vapor pressure (\(e_s\)) of a substance (like water) with temperature (\(T\)) to the latent heat of vaporization (\(L_v\)) and the specific volumes of the vapor and liquid phases.
A common approximate form is: $$ \frac{de_s}{dT} \approx \frac{L_v e_s}{R_v T^2} $$ where \(R_v\) is the specific gas constant for water vapor.
This equation essentially describes how the equilibrium vapor pressure above a liquid surface changes as temperature changes.
In meteorology, this relationship is crucial for understanding and predicting atmospheric moisture content, saturation, cloud formation, and related weather phenomena, as saturation vapor pressure is a key factor determining humidity, dew point, and condensation.
While it contributes to weather prediction (Option 1) and influences pressure indirectly (Option 2), its direct contribution is calculating the relationship between saturation vapor pressure and temperature (Option 3).
It doesn't determine thermal conductivity (Option 4).