How to Build a Magnetic Levitation Experiment
Diamagnetic objects create a magnetic field opposing any magnetic field surrounding it. Objects such as graphite, pyrolitic carbon, frogs and humans are diamagnetic. Superconductors are extremely diamagnetic, but are difficult to procure for a home or classroom experiment. Although we interact with weak magnetic fields everyday, our human diamagnetic force is negligible compared to other forces present, such as gravity. In the experimental environment, a small piece of graphite levitates easily due to its fair diamagnetism and light weight.
Things You'll Need
- Four 1/8-inch cubed neodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnets coated with nickel or gold
- Piece of graphite
Instructions
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Arrange the magnets next to each other, alternating their poles up and down.
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To alternate poles, stick the magnets together in two pairs. The sides that stick together are opposing poles. Unstick them and set them opposing-pole up next to each other.
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Repeat with the next pair.
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Place each pair side-by-side in a square formation.
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Fold both pairs onto each other. If they attract, the configuration is correct. If they do not attract, flip one pair around 180 degrees to ensure that each magnet is beside a magnet with an opposing pole facing up.
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Place a small piece of graphite, such as a mechanical pencil led, atop the magnets. It should levitate and even spin!
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Tips & Warnings
An even easier levitation experiment requires two or more doughnut-shaped magnets. Hold a pencil up and place the magnets in varying configurations onto the pencil. Opposite poles will attract, and the same poles together will repel. Repelling magnets will appear to levitate. Many repelling magnets on the pencil will show varying spaces in between. The difference in spaces is the result of gravity.
Keep NIB magnets away from televisions, computers or any other electrical or magnetic device.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Schwebender Magnet image by Edwar Xie from Fotolia.com
