2007-07-18 07:57:49 · 3 answers · asked by big ru 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Magnets are the way to go. It doesn't take a particularly powerful magnet to exceed the force of gravity. Normally, if you put a magnet on top of another magnet, such that like poles (which repel) are facing each other, there will be a small moment of force, causing the magnet to flip. Then the unlike poles are facing each other and they are attracted, so the magnets stick together. But if the magnets were placed within some sort of guide to prevent flipping, the magnetic repulsion would exceed the downwards force of gravity on the upper magnet, and it would remain suspended.
Magnetic levitation is such a common application that it has a nickname, maglev. Maglev has been widely explored for applications in transportation, because a maglev train doesn't have to deal with wear and tear on the wheels or tracks, allowing much higher speeds.
2007-07-18 08:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest was would be magnetic levitation which would be accomplished by placing magnets with the same pole facing each other the force resulting should easily overcome gravity and can actually support reasonably large amounts of extra weight.
Another possibility would be by creating an air cushion, think hovercraft. By containing air under pressure in a enclosed space the air will generate a "cushion" allowing for object placed on a platform to levitate. You can build a simple example with a sheet of plastic with holes for the skirt, the piece of plywood for the platform with a hole for the blower, and a blower from a household vacuum.
2007-07-18 15:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by Brian K² 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See http://www.arttec.net/
Go to the levitation page
2007-07-18 18:31:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋