2006-10-08 21:55:10 · 13 answers · asked by zishu786711 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
This is something to do with the physical property of liquids called "surface tension".
Surface Tension is defined as the property of liquids arising from unbalanced molecular cohesive forces at or near the surface, as a result of which the surface tends to contract and has properties resembling those of a stretched elastic membrane. (In simple terms all the molecules of the liquid surface are attracted to each other, arranging themselves to be closer as possible.)
So as a result of this property, when dropping in the free air, it takes a spherical shape. It is not exactly spherical due to the reason of gravitional force.
For a comprehensive description please refer to the below link.
2006-10-08 22:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by Thusantha H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any liquid when suspended in air takes a sperical shape.That is because the surface tension is uniform in a sphere.
But raindrops when they fall down through the air are not sperical.
The very word "drop" explains it in 'raindrop', teardrop' etc.
They are dropping hence they take a different shape from a sphere.
their lower sides are round but upper sides taper off to form a conical shape since the surface tension is no longer uniform.Gravity
pulls the water downwards, while as the drag of the air pulls it upwards. Gravity wins out. But this 'tug-of-war' causes the 'drop' shape.
That is why even the classic shape of a motorcycle fuel tank is known as a 'tear-drop' .
2006-10-08 22:20:09 · answer #2 · answered by joe m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Due to surface tension raindrops are spherical
2006-10-08 23:03:05 · answer #3 · answered by CHINTU 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardrock is right. Raindrops aren't spherical, but that doesn't matter - the surface tension answer is obviously what is expected.
Best of Luck - Mike
2006-10-08 22:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Due to the surface tension,the raindrops attain the spherical shape.The pt here to mention is that in sphere the amount of matter hide is large.
2006-10-08 22:02:41 · answer #5 · answered by Naddi S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by nature every object has tendency to bare itself in least volume.
surprisingly,for a given quantity , sphere has a least volume as compared to any other structure (cube , disc etc.) thus
free falling raindrops are spherical in nature.
2006-10-08 22:20:29 · answer #6 · answered by VISHAL A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Raindrops has a tendency to be round because of rigidity of unity between water molecules which attracts the water molecules on the exterior inwards uniformaly from all instructions.
2016-12-04 10:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by rosenberger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's due to the Surface tension of water which keeps the rain drop to the smallest possible area.
2006-10-08 22:18:10 · answer #8 · answered by Bunty Rocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are.
The water is spherical because of the pressure exerted on it by the atmosphere from all directions.
Basically the air around it holds it together like a ball.
2006-10-08 22:04:05 · answer #9 · answered by negrito con sabor 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is due to surface Tension phenomenon
2006-10-11 23:31:00 · answer #10 · answered by deepak4u_52 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋