I had thought of placing an array of 50 small magnets using the same polarity into a close-knit grid. Then I thought of putting two magnets together so that the same polarity is exposed on each side that would repel against the array of magnets. My guess is that gravity would eventually rule out even if I could somehow insulate the reverse polarity that would cause an attraction.
My goal is simply to try and use the repelling magnetic force for the purpose of basic suspension. It appears that bismuth and graphite may be the best option because they can be good diamagnetic. Anyone have any good and affordable ideas?
2007-04-13 06:31:12 · 5 answers · asked by Racer X 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It's difficult without a power source. You want to google Earnshaw's theorem. It proves that no combination of ferromagnetic materials and permanent magnets can result in stable static levitation. You either need electronic feedback with an electromagnet or sometime spinning. Either one takes a power source to maintain. However, stable static levitation is possible with diamagnetic materials, so that approach can be made to work. However, room temperature materials are only weakly diamagnetic. You generally either need a powerful electromagnet or a refrigerated superconductor, either of which takes power. I have a vague recollection of someone succeeding in energy free levitation with room temperature diamagnetics and permanent magnets, though.
2007-04-13 13:48:17 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe at the poles, but anywhere else, the magnetic field reaches you from the side so if you were able the get a strong enough magnet you would just end up being pushed to about the equator and somewhat underground. But following the guy that answer right before me, i guess the electron build up would be different and take any possition due to some quantum laws, and the difference in air pressure, even just a small amount would tip the magnet.
2016-05-19 17:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a very intresting topic you have. Here is my insight.
You are very close to the idea of superconductivity. you will not be able to produce the suspended itea with the magnets because the earths magnetic field will pull the suspended magnet to one of the sides of the array and then gravity will take it down to the ground. However in superconductivity a magnet can be suspened but you will need to produce no eletrical resistance to do this the magnet will have to be placed over another one with the same polarity so they repel each other but the envirorment will have to be extreamly cold...near absolute zero which is 0 degrees kelvin. As of now superconductivity is out of our current reach, however if have another idea for this i would be happy to hear it. Great topic.
2007-04-13 06:48:06 · answer #3 · answered by Davy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, you can do that. Just have to make sure that the weight of the suspended magnet is not too much. Ever heard of those floating pens? That's essentially what they are, just two magnets being repelled from both the top and bottom. However, if you get the magnet too close, the the magnet will just flip and attract itself to the grid.
2007-04-13 06:38:14 · answer #4 · answered by jcann17 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one thing you have to prevent is the magnet flipping arround and then falling towards the other magnets. The most common way to prevent this, is to create some sort of gyroscope like the one in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewm8QWo3wNA
Also, the guy before me proposed a super conductor. Here is how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8nCg0n0zXM
2007-04-13 06:59:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋