Raindrop aerodynamic drag
Raindrop aerodynamic drag is the force exerted by air resistance on a falling raindrop as it moves through the atmosphere.
How big is it?
0.0003 N · force
Force · approximate
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻⁶ N to 0.002 N.
A little perspective
Raindrop aerodynamic drag vs Soap film pull on a wire: weight comparison
The pull of a soap film on a wire is about 20 times the aerodynamic drag on a raindrop.
FORCE
Raindrop aerodynamic drag is the force exerted by air resistance on a falling raindrop as it moves through the atmosphere.
Soap film pull on a wire is the force created by the surface tension of a soap film stretched across a wire frame.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Raindrop aerodynamic drag
Force: 0.0003 N; approximate; range 1 × 10⁻⁶ N–0.002 N.
A curated raindrop aerodynamic drag comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Soap film pull on a wire
Force: 0.006 N; approximate; range 0.002 N–0.02 N.
A curated soap film pull on a wire comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 0.0003 N
We compare the aerodynamic drag on a raindrop. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty. The recorded range is 1 × 10⁻⁶ N to 0.002 N.
A curated raindrop aerodynamic drag comparison anchor. The representative value and any stated range preserve the backlog measurement convention; operating or experimental conditions can change real observations.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0003 N | 1 × 10⁻⁶ N to 0.002 N | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueFundamental physicsRadiation pressure on a laser mirror7 × 10⁻⁶ NForceRadiation pressure on a laser mirror is the force exerted by a laser beam as its photons strike and reflect from the mirror.Nearest higher valueFundamental physicsSoap film pull on a wire0.006 NForceSoap film pull on a wire is the force created by the surface tension of a soap film stretched across a wire frame.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Fundamental physicsSoap film pull on a wire0.006 NSoap film pull on a wire is the force created by the surface tension of a soap film stretched across a wire frame.GravityBinary-star planet tidal acceleration0.01 NBinary-star planet tidal acceleration is the difference in gravitational pull experienced across a planet due to the influence of two stars.Fundamental physicsPhoton pressure thrust per kilowatt6.7 × 10⁻⁶ NPhoton pressure thrust per kilowatt is the force generated when one kilowatt of light is absorbed or reflected, due to photon momentum.
GravityParabolic-flight microgravity arc0.02 NA parabolic-flight microgravity arc is a flight manoeuvre that creates short periods of near-weightlessness for people and experiments inside an aircraft.Fundamental physicsRadiation pressure on a laser mirror7 × 10⁻⁶ NRadiation pressure on a laser mirror is the force exerted by a laser beam as its photons strike and reflect from the mirror.Fundamental physicsThrust of a gridded ion engine0.09 NThe thrust of a gridded ion engine is the force generated by accelerating ions through electrostatic grids to provide propulsion in space.Fundamental physicsSnowflake aerodynamic drag1 × 10⁻⁶ NSnowflake aerodynamic drag is the resistive force experienced by a falling snowflake as it moves through air.Fundamental physicsThrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster0.1 NThe thrust of a Hall-effect satellite thruster is the force produced by accelerating ions with a magnetic field to propel a spacecraft.