What is the SHAPE, not a description, of a drop of water on a waxed surface.?

Question

A viscoelastic bead describes the shape but it is not the name of the shape.

The bottom is not flat it is curved at the edges.

Answer 1

The shape is dependent upon the temperature of the water and the possible adhesion of the water to the wax.

To a first degree approximation with very low adhesion to the wax, using warm water, the bead is hemispherical. As temperature of the water is cooled, the bead is still spherical, but a little more than just half a sphere. This make a very slight bulge just above the contact plane with the waxed surface.

The above assumes negligible distortion due to gravity. The shape is due to the surface tension of the water (which in a zero gravity, free floating space would be exactly spherical before touching the waxed surface).

In fluid mechanics, a stationary (no free motion) drop is called a sessile drop. I suppose that you could call the shape "sessile drop shaped." This would be similar to calling a tear drop a "pendant drop shaped."

Answer 2

Based on personal observation, not actual knowledge, I would say that a drop of water on a waxy surface would be in the shape of a dome. Flat on the bottom, with a rounded body on top. AKA a half of a sphere.

Answer 3

I agree with Slexie