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Clausius-Clapeyron Equation

dPdT=ΔHvapTΔV\frac{dP}{dT} = \frac{\Delta H_{\text{vap}}}{T \Delta V}

How vapor pressure changes with temperature—steepens with warming.

By Rudolf Clausius, Benoît Clapeyron

Earth System Sciences
Clausius-Clapeyron Equation
1834 · Rudolf Clausius
Why it matters: Explains why warmer air holds more moisture—amplifying climate change.

Discoverers: Rudolf Clausius, Benoît Clapeyron (1834)

What does it mean?

How vapor pressure changes with temperature—steepens with warming.

Why should I care?

Explains why warmer air holds more moisture—amplifying climate change.

Variables & Units

SymbolNameUnitMeaning
PPPressureVapor pressure
TTTemperatureAbsolute temperature
ΔHvapΔH_vapEnthalpy of vaporizationLatent heat

Worked Example

~7% more water vapor capacity per °C warming.

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Clausius-Clapeyron Equation

dPdT=ΔHvapTΔV\frac{dP}{dT} = \frac{\Delta H_{\text{vap}}}{T \Delta V}

Real-world impact

Precision agriculture

Equations optimize food production for billions.

Photo: Unsplash — precision farming

How vapor pressure changes with temperature—steepens with warming.

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