Why Raindrops Fall in Circular Form?
When raindrops fall from the sky, they typically take on a circular form due to several factors:
Surface Tension:
The surface tension of water causes raindrops to form into a spherical shape. This is because the molecules at the surface of the drop are more attracted to each other than to the air, pulling the drop into a shape with the least surface area possible - a sphere.
Air Resistance:
As raindrops fall through the atmosphere, they encounter air resistance. This force acts on the raindrop from all directions, causing it to compress into a more compact, spherical shape as it falls.
Gravity:
The force of gravity also plays a role in shaping raindrops. Gravity pulls the raindrop downward, causing it to overcome surface tension and air resistance, ultimately forming a circular shape as it falls towards the ground.
Collision and Coalescence:
When raindrops collide with each other in the atmosphere, they may merge or coalesce, forming larger raindrops with a more pronounced circular shape. This process continues as the raindrops fall towards the Earth, leading to the circular form we commonly observe.