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/s2).

(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.)

 Given, height (h)=1km=1000mg=10m/s2


Hint: Velocity attained by the raindrop in freely falling through a height h is v = 2gh
(a) 
Step 1: Find the velocity of drop after falling through height h

v=2gh=2×10×1000=1002m/s=1002×60×601000km/h=3602km/h510km/h

 (b) Diameter of the drop (d)=2r=4mm Radius of the drop(r)=2mm=2×103m

Step 2: Find the mass of the raindrop

Mass of a raindrop (m) = volume of drop x density of drop

                                         =43π3ρ=43×227×(2×103)3×103( Density of water =103kg/m3)=3.4×105kg

Step 3: Find the momentum of the raindrop when it hits the ground

The momentum of the raindrop (p) = mv

= 3.4×105×1002= 4.7×103 kgm/s= 5×103 kgm/s

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

t=dv=4×1031002=0.028×103s=2.8×105s30ms

Step 5: Force exerted by a raindrop

(d) 

F= Change in momentum  Time =p0t  =4.7×1032.8×105168N

Step 6: Find the area of the umbrella

(e) Radius of the umbrella (R)=12m

 Area of the umbrella (A)=πR2=227×(12)2=2228=11140.8m2

Step 7: Find the force exerted on the umbrela.

Number of drops striking the umbrella simultaneously with an average separation of 5 cm =5×102m

=0.8(5×102)2=320

 Net force exerted on umbrella = 320 x 168 = 53760N 54000 N.