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Simulations and parameterization of collision rate coefficients for aerosol particles with 3m radius droplets have been extended to a range of particle densities up to 2,000kgm(-3) for midtropospheric (similar to 5km) conditions (540hPa, -17 degrees C). The increasing weight has no effect on collisions for particle radii less than 0.2m, but for greater radii the weight effect becomes significant and usually decreases the collision rate coefficient. When increasing size and density of particles make the fall speed of the particle relative to undisturbed air approach to that of the droplet, the effect of the particle falling away in the stagnation region ahead of the droplet becomes important, and the probability of frontside collisions can decrease to zero. Collisions on the rear side of the droplet can be enhanced as particle weight increases, and for this the weight effect tends to increase the rate coefficients. For charges on the droplet and for large particles with density <1,000kgm(-3) the predominant effect increases in rate coefficient due to the short-range attractive image electric force. With density above about 1,000kgm(-3), the stagnation region prevents particles moving close to the droplet and reduces the effect of these short-range forces. Together with previous work, it is now possible to obtain collision rate coefficients for realistic combinations of droplet charge, particle charge, droplet radius, particle radius, particle density, and relative humidity in clouds. The parameterization allows rapid access to these values for use in cloud models.

Plain Language Summary Atmospheric electric charges affect the rate of collision with droplets of aerosol particles acting as condensation nuclei and ice-forming nuclei. This changes their concentrations and can generate primary ice, affecting the development of clouds, and explains observations of cloud and surface pressure responses to changes in atmospheric electricity. We have modeled these collision rates as functions of electric charges, particle radii and density, and relative humidity, extending previous results for a range of droplet radii. We give the results in a form easily incorporated into cloud models.