Moist Air Less Dense than Dry Air
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by that logic would't all the clouds be at the edge of space? Suspect temperature is a factor too.
Re water density. If water wasn't "special" all the ice would sink to the bottom of the seas and fill them up and we would be totally buggered. Water is densest at 4C, not many molecules behave that way, and very important that is too.
Re water density. If water wasn't "special" all the ice would sink to the bottom of the seas and fill them up and we would be totally buggered. Water is densest at 4C, not many molecules behave that way, and very important that is too.
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A wanawas Phyicist
Molecules are bounded by weak forces (convalence bonds) when in a liquid state.
I was refering to the general bonds between adjacent molecules and meant Van der Waals bonds if that term is still used.
I guess Tigermoth better not read any more
Last edited by JP1; 7th Oct 2006 at 21:26. Reason: clarification
Chocks Away!
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No, I'm really finding this all very interesting.
"Isn't water brilliant!"
I understand now why clouds don't go lower - because lower down the temperature is a bit warmer and so the air has more capacity for holding water, but then if the cloud tries to go higher then ..erm.. it hits the dew point and water droplets go sky diving.
I blame Avagadro. As for Pratt, in his Met book, he just says "Moist Air is less dense that dry air", and then does a runner!
"Isn't water brilliant!"
I understand now why clouds don't go lower - because lower down the temperature is a bit warmer and so the air has more capacity for holding water, but then if the cloud tries to go higher then ..erm.. it hits the dew point and water droplets go sky diving.
I blame Avagadro. As for Pratt, in his Met book, he just says "Moist Air is less dense that dry air", and then does a runner!
