Diamagnetic Levitation: How to Levitate a Worm and Other Experiment Ideas

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    Diamagnetic Levitation
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the principles of diamagnetic levitation, specifically the feasibility of levitating a small worm using powerful magnets. The gravitational force acting on the worm can be calculated using the formula gr (gravity times density), and to achieve levitation, a magnetic field gradient greater than 1400 T²/m is required. The Famous Frog of Nijmegen was successfully levitated in a 16T magnetic field, demonstrating the potential of water diamagnetism. Suggested materials for easy levitation experiments include graphite and bismuth, with neodymium magnets being effective for small-scale demonstrations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational force calculations (gr = gravity times density)
  • Knowledge of magnetic field gradients and their significance in diamagnetism
  • Familiarity with materials exhibiting diamagnetic properties, such as graphite and bismuth
  • Experience with neodymium magnets and their applications in levitation experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of water diamagnetism and its applications in levitation
  • Explore advanced techniques for creating high magnetic field gradients
  • Investigate the use of neodymium magnets in educational demonstrations of levitation
  • Learn about other diamagnetic materials and their effectiveness in levitation experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, physicists, and hobbyists interested in experimental physics, particularly in the field of magnetic levitation and diamagnetism.

ObsoleteBacon
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So I want to levitate...(drum roll please)...A REALLY SMALL WORM!

First off, I read that the downward pull on the worm will be gr (gravity times density), so then how would I calculate how powerful my magnet would have to be to balance this force?

So that's the mathematical part...

Now, what else can I do with this experiment? I want to test stuff, not just levitate a worm (although levitating a worm is still awesome). Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
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I am afraid - levitating even small warm seems impossible without use of the strongest magnets in the world.
Famous Frog of Nijmegen levitated in a field of 16T magnet.
Size of the warm doesn't really matter (unless you want to levitate the elephant) - it is water diamagnetism which causes levitation, and as long as the object is smaller than magnet yoke - it makes no difference if it has 1mm or 1cm.
To levitate water (or any living creature, built mostly of water) you must create magnetic field gradient bigger than 1400 T2/m

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_levitation
http://www.ru.nl/hfml/research/levitation/diamagnetic/
 
Awww...well what are some easy levitating resources? I know that there's a special type of graphite that works well...any other?
 
Graphite seems to be easiest one.
But bismuth may work too.
Long time ago I used to demonstrate for students levitation with 1T permanent neodymium magnets and a cube 1cmx1cmx1cm or so of metallic bismuth.
 
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