What Angle Will a Book Slide Down a Shelf?
When books are placed on a shelf, they can slide down the shelf if not properly secured. This is especially true for shelves that are not level or have an incline. The angle at which a book will slide down the shelf depends on several factors, including the weight of the book, the friction between the book and the shelf, and the angle of the shelf.
Weight of the Book
The weight of the book is one factor that affects how far it will slide down a shelf. Heavier books will tend to slide further than lighter books because they have more momentum when they start to move. If two books of different weights are placed on a shelf, the heavier book will usually slide further.
Friction Between Book and Shelf
The amount of friction between the book and the shelf also affects how far it will slide. If there is more friction, then the book will not slide as far. This is because friction acts like a brake, slowing down the motion of the book. On smooth shelves, such as those made from glass or metal, there is less friction and so books can slide further.
Angle of Shelf
The angle of the shelf also affects how far a book will slide. If the shelf has an incline, then books will tend to slide further than if it was level. This is because gravity acts on objects at an angle, causing them to accelerate faster than if they were moving in a straight line. The steeper the incline, the further a book will slide.