Why do raindrops fall with constant speed during the later stages of their descent?

Why do raindrops fall with constant speed during the later stages of their descent?

Explanation

As a raindrop falls:

  • Initially, it accelerates due to gravity.

  • As its speed increases, air resistance (a drag force) also increases.

  • Eventually, a point is reached where the upward air resistance equals the downward gravitational force.

  • At this point, net force = 0, so acceleration stops, and the raindrop continues falling at a constant speed.

This constant speed is called terminal velocity.