Physics principle(s) to explain how to stack spherical items

In summary, stacking spherical objects, such as baseballs, on top of each other can be explained by Newton's third law, where the normal force between the stacked balls is the reaction to the force of gravity acting on each ball. Newton's first law can also play a role, as every object will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. The normal force between the balls is always perpendicular to the contact plane, which is the plane tangent to the two surfaces at the point of contact.
  • #1
SelenaT
12
0
I need to think of all the physics principles to explain how one can stack spherical items (ex. baseballs) on top of each other. So far I've thought of one.
1. Newton's third law
In this case, the reaction is the normal force in each baseball that is stacked and the action is the force of gravity acting on each ball.

Could Newton's first or second law also explain this? Are there other physics principles that can explain this?
 
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  • #2
SelenaT said:
Are there other physics principles that can explain this?

Yes.

When you stack balls the normal reaction between balls isn't vertical. What might stop the ones on the bottom being pushed or rolling away?
 
  • #3
CWatters said:
Yes.

When you stack balls the normal reaction between balls isn't vertical. What might stop the ones on the bottom being pushed or rolling away?

The fact that every object will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force (Newton's first law)? But I don't understand. How is the normal reaction between balls not vertical? Isn't it perpendicular to the horizontal surface?
 
  • #4
SelenaT said:
The fact that every object will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force (Newton's first law)? But I don't understand. How is the normal reaction between balls not vertical? Isn't it perpendicular to the horizontal surface?
"Normal" in "normal force" means perpendicular to the contact plane. It can be hard to define contact plane in general, but assuming the surfaces are differentiable then it means the plane tangent to the two surfaces at the point of contact.
 

Related to Physics principle(s) to explain how to stack spherical items

1. How does the physics principle of gravity affect the stacking of spherical items?

The principle of gravity states that objects with mass are attracted to each other. This means that when stacking spherical items, each item will be pulled towards the center of the Earth, creating a stable and compact stack.

2. Why is it easier to stack spherical items compared to other shapes?

Spherical items have a uniform shape and weight distribution, making it easier to stack them without creating an imbalance. This is due to the fact that the center of gravity of a sphere is located at its geometric center, making it more stable when stacked.

3. How does the surface area of the spherical items affect their stacking?

The surface area of the spherical items plays a crucial role in their stacking. The larger the surface area, the more friction there is between the items, making them less likely to slide or roll off the stack. This is why stacking smaller spherical items may be more challenging than larger ones.

4. How does the physics principle of equilibrium apply to stacking spherical items?

The principle of equilibrium states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. When stacking spherical items, the goal is to create a stable equilibrium where the forces acting on the stack are balanced. This is achieved by carefully placing each item in a way that distributes the weight evenly.

5. Can the physics principle of momentum be applied to stacking spherical items?

Yes, the principle of momentum can be applied to stacking spherical items. When stacking items, it is important to be aware of the momentum of each item and how it can affect the stability of the stack. For example, if a spherical item is stacked too quickly or with too much force, it may cause the entire stack to topple over due to its momentum.

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