Shape of a Rain Drop

Formation of Rain The sun heats water and turns it into vapor Water condenses and falls back to the earth in form of rain. Water Cycle Water vapor in the air gets cold and forms clouds Water falls back in the oceans, rivers and lakes.

H 2 O molecule Raindrop High air pressure More flattened Low air pressure More spherical Surface Tension

0.5 mm 5 mm >5 mm Surface Tension Small drops Large drops The shape is determined by the relative Strength of the surface tension forces which Tend to pull the drop back to a spherical shape. When the drops are very large, the surface Tension is completely overwhelmed and the Drops can be blown inside out.

FALLING SIZE