How to Make a Magnet Float

Magnets are known for their ability to attract certain metals, but they can also repel. Magnets have a north and a south pole. If two north poles or two south poles face each other, the magnets will repel. You can use this repulsion to make one magnet float above another.

Things You'll Need

  • Ring magnets Dowel Wood square Drill Glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Order ring magnets from a site like the one in Resources. However many magnets you want to float, get one more. For example, if you want six magnets to float, you will need seven.

    • 2

      Get a dowel slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the magnets and cut it to a manageable size. If you are just going to float a few magnets, 6 inches will do. If you want to be able to levitate several, you may want to cut a foot-long section of dowel.

    • 3

      In a square piece of wooden board, drill a hole of the same diameter as the dowel. The wood should be a few inches on either side and at least 3/4 inch deep. Stick the dowel into the board and glue it in so that it sticks straight up.

    • 4

      Hold two rings, one above the other. They will either pull toward each other or push away. If they pull, flip one over.

    • 5

      Keep the magnets facing the same way and slide them onto the dowel, one at a time. The bottom one will repel the top one, causing it to float.

    • 6

      Slide another magnet on to the dowel. If it sticks to the floating magnet, pull it off and flip it over. You will now have two floating magnets. If the magnets are strong enough, you should be able to float several other magnets this way.

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