Which instrument is commonly used to measure relative humidity?

Which instrument is commonly used to measure relative humidity?

• A. Hygrometer
• B. Barometer
• C. Thermometer
• D. Anemometer

Answer: (A)

Measuring relative humidity requires sensing how much moisture is in the air relative to what the air can hold at the current temperature. A hygrometer is designed for this purpose, providing a reading of humidity typically shown as a percent. Older hygrometers rely on materials like human hair that change with humidity, while modern ones use electronic sensors to directly measure relative humidity. The other instruments measure different physical quantities: a barometer gauges atmospheric pressure, a thermometer measures temperature, and an anemometer assesses wind speed. In contexts where humidity is a key factor—such as tropical architecture—knowing the relative humidity helps with indoor comfort, material durability, and climate-responsive design.

Measuring relative humidity requires sensing how much moisture is in the air relative to what the air can hold at the current temperature. A hygrometer is designed for this purpose, providing a reading of humidity typically shown as a percent. Older hygrometers rely on materials like human hair that change with humidity, while modern ones use electronic sensors to directly measure relative humidity.

The other instruments measure different physical quantities: a barometer gauges atmospheric pressure, a thermometer measures temperature, and an anemometer assesses wind speed. In contexts where humidity is a key factor—such as tropical architecture—knowing the relative humidity helps with indoor comfort, material durability, and climate-responsive design.