When a water droplet is in free fall, gravity accelerates it downward until it is balanced by the upward push of air resistance, allowing the drop to reach a constant speed called terminal velocity. Contrary to the classic teardrop myth, falling water actually takes on different shapes depending on its size. Small droplets remain perfectly spherical due to surface tension, while larger ones are flattened by air pressure into a "hamburger bun" shape before eventually breaking apart.