physics of droplet impact

When a droplet hits a surface, its kinetic energy causes it to spread out and deform. Surface tension, the force that holds water molecules together, resists this spreading, causing the droplet to flatten and sometimes rebound or form ripples. The impact creates a splash depending on the droplet’s speed, size, and the surface’s properties, like roughness and wettability. Factors such as air resistance and energy loss through vibration also influence the splash behavior. Overall, droplet impact involves a balance between body forces, surface tension, and material interactions, dictating how the droplet spreads, recoils, or splashes upon contact.