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

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    Diamagnetic Levitation
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of diamagnetic levitation, specifically exploring the feasibility of levitating a small worm and other potential experimental ideas. Participants engage in mathematical considerations, material suggestions, and the practical challenges of achieving levitation using magnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes calculating the necessary magnetic force to balance the gravitational pull on a small worm, referencing the formula involving gravity and density.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of levitating a worm, citing the need for extremely strong magnets and discussing the specific conditions required for diamagnetic levitation.
  • Suggestions for alternative materials that could be levitated include graphite and bismuth, with one participant sharing a past experience of demonstrating levitation using neodymium magnets and bismuth.
  • There is a mention of the famous Frog of Nijmegen as an example of successful diamagnetic levitation, emphasizing the strength of the magnetic field required.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of levitating a worm, with some suggesting it is possible under specific conditions while others argue it is unlikely without very strong magnets. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of the initial idea.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of magnetic field gradients and the specific properties of materials involved in diamagnetic levitation, but there are no settled assumptions or calculations presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring experimental physics, materials science, and the principles of magnetism and levitation.

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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