Multiple choice

A falling drop of water acquires spherical shape due to

  1. atmospheric pressure

  2. gravitational force

  3. surface tension

  4. capillary rice

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Surface tension minimizes the surface area of a liquid for a given volume, causing water droplets to become spherical (a sphere has minimum surface area). Atmospheric pressure and gravitational force act externally, while 'capillary rice' is a typo for 'capillary rise' (a different phenomenon).