How do you calculate wet bulb depression?

Wet bulb depression refers to the difference between the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature. The dry bulb temperature is the standard air temperature measured by a regular thermometer, while the wet bulb temperature is the temperature measured when the thermometer bulb is moistened and exposed to airflow, reflecting the effect of humidity on the cooling process.

To calculate the wet bulb depression accurately, you subtract the wet bulb temperature from the dry bulb temperature. This difference indicates the amount of moisture present in the air—larger differences occur in drier air, while smaller differences indicate more moisture. This measurement is crucial for various applications in refrigeration and air conditioning, as it helps determine the effectiveness of cooling processes and the potential for condensation.

The other provided options do not accurately reflect how wet bulb depression is defined, which is the essential aspect of understanding this concept in the field of refrigeration.