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Water Drop Shape
Name: Mary C.
Status: student
Age: 9
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 8/30/2003
Question:
What shape is a water drop?
Replies:
Mary,
If the drop is small enough, it is a perfect sphere. A sphere is the geometrical shape that
has the smallest surface area for its volume. The drop takes this shape because water
molecules tend to stick to each other. So, when not confined by a container, and with
nothing around it to distort its shape, a very tiny water drop is perfectly round like a
ball because the water molecules are pulling inward toward each other.
If the drop is larger like a raindrop in free-fall, it has a domed top and a semi-flattened
bottom because as it falls it must push the air out of its way. That "upward" push of the
air being displaced causes the falling drop to have a rather flattened bottom.
Contrary to popular misconception, a free-falling raindrop is not shaped like a teardrop --
round on the bottom and pointy on top.
Regards,
ProfHoff 722
Mary C.,
Water's high surface tension causes water to form spherical drops (like little water
balls) and to form a curved surface in a small container. I hope that this helps you.
Sincerely,
Bob Trach
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