It is a common observation that rain clouds can be at about a kilometre altitude above the ground.
(a) If a raindrop falls from such a height freely under gravity, what will be its speed? Also calculate in km/h (g = 10 m/).
(b) A typical raindrop is about 4 mm in diameter. Momentum is mass x speed in magnitude. Estimate its momentum when it hits the ground.
(c) Estimate the time required to flatten the drop.
(d) Rate of change of momentum is force. Estimate how much force such a drop would exert on you.
(e) Estimate the order of magnitude force on the umbrella. The typical lateral separation between two raindrops is 5 cm.
(Assume that umbrella is circular and has a diameter of 1 m and cloth is not pierced through.)
Step 2: Find the mass of the raindrop
Mass of a raindrop (m) = volume of drop x density of drop
Step 3: Find the momentum of the raindrop when it hits the ground
The momentum of the raindrop (p) = mv
Step 4: Find the time required to flatten the drop
(c)Time required to flatten the drop = time taken by the drop to travel the distance equal to the diameter of the drop near the ground
Step 5: Force exerted by a raindrop
(d)
Step 6: Find the area of the umbrella
(e) Radius of the umbrella
Step 7: Find the force exerted on the umbrela.
Number of drops striking the umbrella simultaneously with an average separation of 5 cm
Net force exerted on umbrella = 320 x 168 = 53760N 54000 N.
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