The angle of rest is a term commonly used in physics and engineering to describe the angle at which an object will remain stationary on a surface without sliding or rolling. It is an important concept in the study of statics, which deals with the behavior of objects at rest.
Definitions
The angle of rest is defined as the maximum angle at which an object can be placed on a surface without sliding or rolling. It is also known as the angle of repose or the critical angle of friction. This angle is determined by the properties of the object and the surface it is placed on, such as the coefficient of friction, the shape of the object, and the roughness of the surface.
Origin
The concept of the angle of rest can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who studied the behavior of objects at rest. The term “angle of repose” was first used in the mid-19th century by the geologist Grove Karl Gilbert to describe the angle at which loose materials, such as sand or gravel, will settle on a slope.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the angle of rest is “the angle at which a body, placed on an inclined plane, will remain at rest without sliding or rolling.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “the angle of inclination at which a body, when placed on a horizontal surface, will remain at rest.”
Associations
The angle of rest is closely associated with the concepts of friction and gravity. It is used in the design of structures and machinery to ensure that they remain stable and do not move unexpectedly. It is also used in the study of natural phenomena, such as landslides and avalanches, to understand the behavior of materials on slopes.
Synonyms
The angle of rest is also known as the angle of repose, the critical angle of friction, and the limiting angle of friction.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of the angle of rest, but it can be contrasted with the angle of inclination, which is the angle at which an object is tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
The same root words
The root words of the angle of rest are “angle” and “rest.” Angle refers to the geometric shape formed by two intersecting lines, while rest refers to a state of inactivity or lack of motion.
Example Sentences
- The angle of rest for a sphere on a flat surface is 0 degrees.
- The angle of rest for a pile of sand on a slope depends on the size and shape of the grains.
- Engineers must take into account the angle of rest when designing structures to ensure their stability.
- The angle of rest is an important concept in the study of statics and mechanics.
- The angle of rest can be used to predict the behavior of materials on slopes and in other natural settings.