Why does it rain?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Droplets merge and grow large
Droplets merge and grow large ✓ — Correct! Cloud droplets are tiny (0.01mm) and stay suspended in air. Rain forms when millions of these droplets collide and merge, growing into drops about 2-5mm. At this size, gravity overcomes the rising air currents, and they fall as rain. Warm clouds use collision; cold clouds form ice crystals that melt while falling!
Temperature drops in clouds — Wrong. Temperature changes can affect cloud formation, but rain occurs when droplets grow large enough to fall. In warm clouds, droplets merge; in cold clouds, ice crystals form and fall.
Clouds absorb too much water — Wrong. Clouds don't 'absorb' water like a sponge. They're made of suspended droplets that merge and grow until they're heavy enough to overcome updrafts and fall as rain.
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