Cars attaching to one another using magnetic force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using magnetic force to attach two cars together for driving as a single unit, with a focus on controlling the magnetic force for separation while in motion. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical applications of magnetism in automotive contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using electromagnets that can be switched on and off to achieve the magnetic attachment.
  • Concerns are raised about the energy consumption of electromagnets and the rapid drop in magnetic strength over distance.
  • Alternatives to electromagnets are suggested, including mechanically released magnets, although specifics are not provided.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the use of magnets, suggesting that other mechanisms might be more practical.
  • There is a request for clarification on how electromagnets function, particularly regarding their activation and deactivation.
  • Participants discuss the futuristic appeal of using magnets compared to traditional mechanisms like hooks.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of self-research and understanding rather than relying solely on others for answers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best approach to attaching cars using magnetic force, with multiple competing views on the practicality and efficiency of using electromagnets versus other mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding of the underlying physics, with some indicating a lack of familiarity with the concepts involved. There are references to energy consumption and the limitations of magnetic strength, but these aspects remain unresolved.

jdmstanced
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hi,
i'm doing a little research and in need of help since I'm not so talented in physics.. :(
Is it possible to attach 2 cars with magnetic force so that they can be driving as one? (one car in the front and another car behind)
I think it can be done with magnetic force but how..
Also, Is it possible to control the magnetic force so that when wanted, the 2 cars can separate while driving?

I wanted to know the way of making this happen in the future without using some mechanism like using hooks.

quick help would be appreciated! Thank you!
 
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jdmstanced said:
hi,
i'm doing a little research and in need of help since I'm not so talented in physics.. :(
Is it possible to attach 2 cars with magnetic force so that they can be driving as one? (one car in the front and another car behind)
I think it can be done with magnetic force but how..
Also, Is it possible to control the magnetic force so that when wanted, the 2 cars can separate while driving?

I wanted to know the way of making this happen in the future without using some mechanism like using hooks.

quick help would be appreciated! Thank you!

It's probably better to use a different mechanism. Why are you settled on using magnets?
 
You can use magnets, yes.

wooden-toy-train-set-4.jpg

:smile:

Make them electromagnets so they can be switched on and off. Front bumper is North, rear bumper is South.

The problem you'll encounter - above and beyond the energy consumption, which will be large - is that magnetism strength drops rapidly over a very short range.
 
DaveC426913 said:
You can use magnets, yes.

wooden-toy-train-set-4.jpg

:smile:

Make them electromagnets so they can be switched on and off. Front bumper is North, rear bumper is South.

The problem you'll encounter - above and beyond the energy consumption, which will be large - is that magnetism strength drops rapidly over a very short range.
Could you elaborate on how electromagnets can be switched on and off?
 
berkeman said:
It's probably better to use a different mechanism. Why are you settled on using magnets?
Because its kinda futuristic than mechanism like using hooks
 
jdmstanced said:
Could you elaborate on how electromagnets can be switched on and off?

Just look up electromagnets on wikipedia.

But as Dave says, that would be a huge waste of energy.
 
jdmstanced said:
Because its kinda futuristic than mechanism like using hooks

Should this thread be moved to the Science Fiction forum then...? :smile:
 
jdmstanced said:
Could you elaborate on how electromagnets can be switched on and off?
By way of the "electro" part. Provide some, and they are magnets; no electricity, no magnet.
 
  • #10
berkeman said:
Also, you could consider magnets that are released mechanically instead of using (power wasting) electromagnets...

http://www.in.all.biz/img/in/catalog/273429.jpeg
273429.jpe
For example, What kind of magnets that can released mechanically? i need to know ASAP :)
i found superconducting magnet...not sure if this is it
 
  • #11
jdmstanced said:
For example, What kind of magnets that can released mechanically? i need to know ASAP :)
i found superconducting magnet...not sure if this is it

LOL, no, it's not a superconducting magnet.

Please show some effort and use Google or Google Images to find out more about mechanically released magnetic assemblies.
 
  • #12
berkeman said:
LOL, no, it's not a superconducting magnet.

Please show some effort and use Google or Google Images to find out more about mechanically released magnetic assemblies.
lolol. I am being honest with you.
im very stupid when it comes to math and physics. It's not my major. I don't even know what I'm looking at or reading on google..:confused:o_O
 
  • #13
jdmstanced said:
lolol. I am being honest with you.
im very stupid when it comes to math and physics. It's not my major. I don't even know what I'm looking at or reading on google..:confused:o_O

Well, I'll be honest with you. You will not improve your level of understanding if you keep asking others to spoonfeed you solutions. Please try to get in the habit of trying to answer your own questions on your own first, and then asking for help when you have done your best first.

I already gave you some great search terms for Google and Google Images. Start with those, and do your best with internet search engines to learn more about your options.

At the PF, we do our best to help students learn how to learn, and spoonfeeding is not part of that.

Also, always remember that if you give a person a fish, your feed them for a day. If you teach them how to fish, you can sell them boats and trucks and fishing gear and bait and beer for life. :wink:
 
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  • #14
berkeman said:
Also, always remember that if you give a person a fish, your feed them for a day. If you teach them how to fish, you can sell them boats and trucks and fishing gear and bait and beer for life
And if you give a fish a person, you get arrested.:biggrin:
 

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