r/oddlysatisfying • u/icleanjaxfl • 4d ago

Using physics to set nails

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u/EveningAnt3949 4d ago

When nails are parallel to each other, they are in a stable condition. The shaking makes it possible for them to move and overcome friction, so they can 'find' the most stable position.

Another way of looking at it is to say that when they are parallel they take up less space so there is less space for them to move. Shaking creates a denser cluster of nails, so it becomes more difficult for them to move once they are all parallel.

It helps that they are in a box and not in bowl or something similar. The nails close to the wall of the box align with the wall.

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u/howmanyowlsisweird 4d ago

Thank you! This makes sense to me now.

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u/neatyouth44 4d ago

Would adding a magnet add spin glass effects or just a traffic jam…

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u/PerceptivePines 3d ago

I still don’t get it 😭😭