Explanation:

Surface tension:
Surface tension is the property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, minimizing its surface area. It is caused by the cohesive forces between the molecules of the liquid. The molecules at the surface experience a net inward force due to the unbalanced cohesive forces, which results in the liquid surface behaving like a stretched elastic sheet.

Falling drops of water:
When a drop of water falls, gravity pulls it downward. As the drop falls, it experiences air resistance, which opposes its motion. The air resistance exerted on the drop creates a drag force that slows it down. As a result, the drop deforms under the influence of gravity and air resistance.

Sphere formation:
However, the cohesive forces between the water molecules act to minimize the surface area of the drop. As the drop deforms, the molecules at the surface experience an increased net inward force due to surface tension. This inward force causes the drop to minimize its surface area, resulting in a spherical shape.

Adhesion, cohesion, viscosity, and compressibility:
While adhesion (attraction between different substances) and cohesion (attraction between similar substances) are important properties of liquids, they do not directly contribute to the formation of spherical drops in this context. Viscosity refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow, while compressibility refers to the change in volume of a substance under pressure. These properties are not directly related to the formation of spherical drops either.

Therefore, the property of surface tension, which arises from the cohesive forces between water molecules and allows the water drop to minimize its surface area, is responsible for the formation of spherical drops when falling.