Do Broken Superconductors Affect Levitation Distance?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a broken superconductor on levitation distance, exploring the implications of its condition on experimental results. Participants also inquire about the relationship between the thickness of the superconductor and its levitation height, as well as the potential for improving levitation performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a broken superconductor will not significantly affect the main results of the levitation experiment, although it may not look as aesthetically pleasing.
  • Others argue that the thickness of the superconductor does not matter at the scales being discussed, suggesting that the penetration depth is the determining factor.
  • One participant notes that their superconductor only levitated between 0.1-0.5 mm above the magnets and seeks ways to improve this performance.
  • Another participant questions the strength of the magnets being used, implying that this could influence the levitation height.
  • There is a suggestion that stronger magnets might have an effect on levitation, although this remains uncertain.
  • Participants express a suspicion that a stronger superconductor may be necessary to achieve better levitation results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the impact of the broken superconductor on levitation results, and there are differing views on the importance of thickness and magnet strength. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to improve levitation distance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific measurements and conditions, such as the pull force of the magnets and the levitation height achieved, but do not provide detailed mathematical or experimental frameworks. There are assumptions regarding the properties of superconductors and their interaction with magnetic fields that are not fully explored.

weeps
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Hello!

Me and some friends are doing a phyics project at school. The theme is superconductor. The school have a superconductor, but its broken i half (like two half moons). My question is: will this effect the result? And does the thickness matter how far above the surfice it will levitate?

And does anyone have any suggestions were you can buy superconductor (cheap)?

This is what we though about.



Thank =)
 
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weeps said:
My question is: will this effect the result?

No, it won't look as pretty but it won't affect the main results

And does the thickness matter how far above the surfice it will levitate?

No, not at the scales we are talking about here. As far as I remember there are some pre-factors that come into if the SC is very thin or very narro, but the length scale is set by the penetraton depth whihc is of the order of tens of nm, meaning this is not an issue here.
 
Okay, we had some problems with our superconductor, it only levitated max 0.1-0.5 mm above our magnetics. Can we improve it in anyway?
 
weeps said:
Okay, we had some problems with our superconductor, it only levitated max 0.1-0.5 mm above our magnetics. Can we improve it in anyway?

What was the strength of your magnets?
 
Grade 42
Pullforce Class 1 6.56 lbs
Pullforce Class 2 50.86 lbs
 
Hmmm. Would stronger magnets have any effect?
 
We got really strong magnetics. We suspect that we might need a stronger superconductor
 

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