When two small spherical rain drops of equal radius $r$ coalesce to form a bigger drop, the surface energy of the system:
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Question

When two small spherical rain drops of equal radius $r$ coalesce to form a bigger drop, the surface energy of the system:

Accepted Answer

When smaller drops coalesce into a bigger drop, the total surface area decreases. Since Surface Energy = Surface Tension × Area, a decrease in area leads to a decrease in surface energy, releasing heat energy.

Mechanical Properties of Fluids

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