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Clouds form when the atmospheric conditions are right. In nature,
atmospheric pressure, temperature, and water content affect the likelihood of
cloud formation. Clouds can also be
produced artificially. When dry ice is placed in water, it
creates a fog of water droplets because it chills the air and the water in it.
When the air pressure in a pressure chamber is lowered, clouds may form.
Our Cloud Chamber simulation allows you to change the
conditions of temperature, pressure, and water content inside the
jar. If you create the right conditions, clouds will form inside.
A gauge shows the relative humidity (RH) inside the jar.
RH is the percent of water vapor (water in
gaseous form) that air can hold relative to the maximum amount it
can hold under the prevailing conditions. When the air reaches 100% RH,
it is holding as much water vapor as possible. If conditions change
to make the RH greater than 100%, the "excess" water vapor
condenses into liquid droplets. We observe these either as free-floating clouds or condensation on surrounding surfaces (dew, for example).
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