What factors influence the fall rate of water drops?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The fall rate of water drops is significantly influenced by drop size and air density. Larger drops experience greater gravitational forces, allowing them to fall faster compared to smaller drops. This is due to their increased surface area which leads to higher drag forces when moving through the air.

Air density is another crucial factor affecting the fall rate; denser air increases the drag force on the falling drops. As a result, the interaction between the size of the drop and the characteristics of the surrounding air (density) directly influences how quickly the drops can fall.

By understanding the relationship between these two factors, one can predict the behavior of precipitation in different atmospheric conditions, which is essential for meteorological assessments and forecasting.

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