What is the Dry Bulb Temperature when the Wet Bulb Temperature is 85°F and the Relative Humidity is 40%?

To determine the Dry Bulb Temperature when given the Wet Bulb Temperature and Relative Humidity, it's important to understand the relationship between these parameters in psychrometrics.

The Wet Bulb Temperature, which is 85°F in this scenario, reflects the lowest temperature that can be achieved by evaporative cooling. Relative Humidity, at 40%, indicates the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature.

In general, if the Wet Bulb Temperature is known along with Relative Humidity, one can estimate or calculate the Dry Bulb Temperature, which is the actual air temperature. The Dry Bulb Temperature will always be higher than or equal to the Wet Bulb Temperature when using realistic atmospheric conditions.

Calculating or referencing psychrometric charts or tables, we see that for a Wet Bulb Temperature of 85°F and 40% Relative Humidity, the Dry Bulb Temperature comes out to approximately 108°F. This highlights how the special combination of moisture and temperature influences the air's thermal properties.

Thus, the answer is 108°F because it accurately reflects the Dry Bulb Temperature based on the provided Wet Bulb Temperature and Relative Humidity, following the established principles of thermodynamics