What describes the lowest temperature obtainable through evaporation cooling?

The wet-bulb temperature is defined as the lowest temperature that can be achieved through evaporative cooling processes. This temperature is measured by wrapping a wet cloth around the bulb of a thermometer and exposing it to air. As water evaporates from the cloth, it cools the thermometer, and the reading represents the wet-bulb temperature. This value is critical in understanding humidity and its effects on cooling, as it reflects the amount of moisture in the air and the potential for further evaporation.

In contrast, the dry-bulb temperature measures the air temperature without considering moisture content, while the dew point temperature indicates the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor and dew begins to form, not focusing on cooling due to evaporation. The heat stress equivalent temperature relates to the temperature perceived by the body due to heat and humidity, rather than directly measuring the cooling effect of evaporation. Therefore, the wet-bulb temperature is recognized as the most relevant measure concerning evaporative cooling.