Electromagnetic holding force to size of Magnet Ratio

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a small electromagnet to hold a significant weight (600 pounds) in a proposed design for a semi-permanent wire swing. Participants explore the mechanics and requirements of electromagnets versus permanent magnets in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A participant proposes building a swing attached to a steel plate using a small electromagnet, questioning if a seven-ounce electromagnet can hold 600 pounds under specific conditions.
  • Another participant challenges the feasibility of the weight requirement, suggesting that it may be difficult to meet and recommending the use of permanent magnets instead.
  • There is a discussion about the comparative power of electromagnets versus permanent magnets, with some participants asserting that electromagnets can provide a higher peak magnetic field for the same weight.
  • Participants express confusion regarding the strict weight requirement and the point at which the maximum force is exerted during the swing's motion.
  • One participant requests a sketch of the setup to better understand the proposed design and mechanics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of the proposed electromagnet design or the comparison between electromagnets and permanent magnets. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific requirements and mechanics of the proposed swing, including the implications of weight limits and the forces involved during operation. There are also unresolved questions about the design and effectiveness of the electromagnet in this application.

Cire Venn
Messages
18
Reaction score
2
Hey all, I'm new here and hoping to enjoy glorious physics with you all!
I have a problem and a question; the problem is I don't know much about electromagnets and want to build something rather involved using an electromagnet. XD
The question shall be explained..
General Concept:
I'm going to build a semi-permanent wire swing; this swing shall be attached to a 2 inch thick steel plate by a small electromagnet; the steel plate permanently mounted to a tree. (imagine a wire with an electromagnet on one end affixed to a steel plate)
I'm going to use mechanical means to toss the electromagnet at the steel plate trailing the wire; the wire and magnet need to be under one pound or I won't be able to propel it without an unrealistically large amount of force. The wire weighs nine onuses; that leaves seven onuses for the magnet. So my question is this: is it possible for a seven ounce electromagnet to hold 600 pounds; assuming there is no limit to the amount of electricity I can power the magnet with?

Reason for 600 pounds...
With safety in mind; If a 200 lbs man were to swing from a 90 degree angel; the most force the wire (and magnet) will be under is about three times the weight of the man; thus the 600 lbs.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If the electromagnet is suppoed to hold the whole swing (with a passenger), where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Can you draw a sketch?
US-units are weird, but I still think those specifications are hard to meet. It would be much easier with permanent magnets. There are geometries where you can rotate them to switch their external field on and off.
 
mfb said:
If the electromagnet is suppoed to hold the whole swing (with a passenger), where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Can you draw a sketch?
US-units are weird, but I still think those specifications are hard to meet. It would be much easier with permanent magnets. There are geometries where you can rotate them to switch their external field on and off.
It would be easier with permanent magnets? I was under the impression electromagnetic magnets were more powerful.
Where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Do you mean what is the point in the struct weight requirement? As for where it is the most extra force is exerted at the point when the wire is vertical during the swing.
 
Cire Venn said:
I was under the impression electromagnetic magnets were more powerful.
For the same weight? No.
They can give a higher peak magnetic field.

Cire Venn said:
Where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Do you mean what is the point in the struct weight requirement?
I mean strict.
Cire Venn said:
As for where it is the most extra force is exerted at the point when the wire is vertical during the swing.
I don't understand what you mean.

Please give a sketch of the setup, that would really help to understand what you want to do with the magnet.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
10K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K