Drop formation in a failing stream of liquid

The narrowing of a falling stream of liquid is a well-known demonstration of the equation of continuity. We consider the behavior of the bottom of a falling liquid stream where the stream ceases to narrow, and swells and forms droplets. Drop formation is demonstrated by detailed photos of experiments. A simple mathematical description of the observations is given, including the key processes responsible for drop formation. (c) 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.