Chapter 10Science & Nature

How does rain form?

Water evaporates, rises, cools, and condenses on tiny particles in the air (dust, pollen). When droplets grow heavy enough to overcome updrafts, they fall — as rain, or as snow/hail depending on temperature.

Follow-up questions

Why does it smell after rain?

The scent is 'petrichor' — plant oils and bacterial spores kicked up by falling drops, plus ozone from lightning.

Can it rain frogs?

Rarely — waterspouts can lift small animals from a pond and drop them miles away.

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