The amount of water vapor in the air has to be less than the amount it can hold to reach the dew point?

Question

I'm studying for a test, and I'm not sure if the humidity has to be more or less... I think it's less, but I want to make sure...

Answer 1

The question seems vaguely worded.  The dewpoint IS the measure of how much water vapor is in the air.  If the dewpoint is less than the actual air temperature, then the air parcel is capable of holding a greater amount of water vapor, and thus condensation will not normally take place.  The dewpoint is simply the temperature that an air parcel would need to be in order for saturation (100% relative humidity) to be attained, assuming no water vapor was added or lost.

Answer 2

if its over... its raining...

Answer 3

True, the amount of vapor in the air has to be less, because it is 100%, it is at the dew point, and if it is more, some will condense out and raise the temperature.