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 of force
Force · approximate
Typical recorded range: 1 × 10⁻⁶ N to 0.002 N.
A little perspective
Soap film pull on a wire is about 20 times larger on this measurement.
Soap film pull on a wire: 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
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
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
For comparison, this page uses force. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Raindrop aerodynamic drag dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0003 N | 1 × 10⁻⁶ N to 0.002 N | approximate |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · 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.Nearest higher value · 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.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
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 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.
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 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.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.