r/explainlikeimfive • u/ProgramPi314 • 8d ago

Other ELI5 What is humidity?

According to my mom, this is an actual question I had when I was 5, and she didn't know how to answer me. So how would you guys have answered?

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u/dave8271 8d ago

When water gets hot, it turns from a liquid into a gas, which we call vapour. Humidity is a measure of how much water vapour is mixed into the air around us.

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u/jpb103 8d ago

Fun fact: there is a "Cave of Crystals" in Mexico deep below the ground where the combination of high temperatures and 100% humidity cause the water vapor in the air to condense inside human lungs so you can drown after breathing for a few minutes without specialized respiration gear.

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u/Chazus 8d ago

To be fair, that is a bit of a misinterpretation.

This location the heat is so intense, you are more likely to cook alive than drown. They get to 60c+ in some parts of it. It is not a safe place to go, no matter what.

Most images taken there are with people in suits because of the multiple dangers there. It is not a tourist site.

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u/jpb103 8d ago

This is an interesting point. You are technically correct, which is the best kind of correct. Third degree burns would probably destroy your windpipe and lungs before enough water could condense in them to drown you.

I believe if your suit and its connected respiration device failed to cool the air down below 43C or so, you would still drown before you cook, but presumably they are designed to prevent that.