Question

Raindrops hitting the side windows of a car in motion often leave diagonal streaks even if there is no wind. Why? Is the explanation the same or different for diagonal streaks on the windshield?

Answer 1

Answer:

because of the raindrop velocity relative of the car has a vertical and horizontal component  

Explanation:

1. The car moves in a horizontal direction relative to the ground. The raindrops fall in the vertical direction relative to the ground.
2. Their velocity relative to the moving car has  both vertical and horizontal components and this is the reason for the diagonal streaks on the side window.
3. The diagonal streaks on the windshield  arise from a different reason.
4. The drops  are pushed  off to  one side  of the  windshield  because  of air resistance.