Observing the angle of repose with DIY physics devices

The angle of repose or critical angle of repose is how steep various types of materials can be piled without slumping. The steepness of the side of a pile is determined by the amount of friction between the particles of matter. This can vary according to size and density of the material, particles size, smoothness of the particles, whether it is wet or dry, and any cohesive properties of the matter. Materials such as sand piles, dirt, sugar, flour, stones and every other type of loose matter will all exhibit this property.

Science teacher Bruce Yeany demonstrates the angle of repose with his DIY physics devices full of sand. See how he made them in the 2016 video above, and let us know if you make your own.

Related reading: Angle of repose of various materials.

Then watch more DIY physics videos: Make Lissajous patterns with DIY sand pendulums, how to collect black sand with a magnet, speed up geologic time with a DIY squeeze box, and how to make a giant fluidized bed of sand.