DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - To find out how higher heat and humidity play an important role in sports, we first have to look at the ideal gas law.
It is often displayed as P = ρRT, where P is pressure, ρ is density, R is the specific gas constant and T is temperature.
In this example, pressure and the gas constant are kept the same, which leads us to see that as the temperature increases, the density decreases.
So, hot air is less dense than colder air. As temperature increases, air expands, leading to a decrease in density. This means there are fewer air molecules in the path of a baseball or golf ball, resulting in less air resistance, or drag.
Humidity, meanwhile, involves water vapor in the air. While water vapor is less dense than dry air, the overall decrease in air density in humid conditions is the dominant factor. This also leads to decreased drag on a flying object.
Next time you are at the ballpark or golf course, take note of the temperature, humidity and how far the ball travels. And, of course, stay safe and stay sweaty.
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