Derivation of the Shape of Raindrops

To a layperson, a raindrop would have the shape of a tear drop, as often renditioned in popular media. However, to an acute individual, and as pointed out fervently by Fraser [17], a raindrop would have more of a spherical shape. The tear drop shape applies only just as the drop falls from a surface. It would then take a somewhat spherical form, and then distort to a shape like an oblate spheroid that many call a ’hamburger shape.’ This is mainly because of the drag force on the falling drop causing it to be flattened. There are also other factors that give a raindrop its shape. Five key factors commonly agreed to affect the raindrop shape are