Final answer:
A stream with fine water droplets and a high surface area is referred to as a broken stream, which is observed in upward shooting fountains where the water broadens due to decreasing velocity, and surface tension resists this spreading.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fine water droplets and maximum high water surface area are characteristics of a broken stream. When water is shot nearly vertically upward in a decorative fountain, the stream broadens as it rises, while a stream of water falling straight down from a faucet narrows. This is due to the fact that the water velocity decreases as it shoots upwards due to gravity, causing it to spread out, while a falling stream narrows as the water accelerates due to gravity, causing the stream to pull together. Surface tension acts to minimize surface area, so while it enhances the narrowing effect of a falling stream, it resists the spreading of the rising stream in the fountain.