Can Electromagnetic Levitation Make an Entire Apparatus Go Skyward?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using diamagnetism and electromagnetism to levitate an entire apparatus, including its base. Participants clarify that while a magnet can be levitated between two bismuth pieces, the entire structure would not ascend indefinitely due to gravitational forces and the saturation of diamagnetic effects. The conversation highlights the limitations of current understanding in practical applications of these principles.

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  • Understanding of diamagnetism and its principles
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with the properties of bismuth
  • Concept of gravitational forces in physics
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Willb1998
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Hi I'm new I had the idea that possibly diamagnetism, levitation and electromagnetism could be linked for example I know that a magnet can be levitated between 2 pieces of bismuth. I'm not good with math nor electricity but do you think if something being repulsed like a bismuth plate was bolted to a base with all thread over an electromagnet would the whole apparatus go skyward? Most people think of a stationary base and something like a train being levitated above. Just wondering if the whole thing would go upwards or levitate including the base.
 
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Willb1998 said:
Hi I'm new I had the idea that possibly diamagnetism, levitation and electromagnetism could be linked for example I know that a magnet can be levitated between 2 pieces of bismuth. I'm not good with math nor electricity but do you think if something being repulsed like a bismuth plate was bolted to a base with all thread over an electromagnet would the whole apparatus go skyward? Most people think of a stationary base and something like a train being levitated above. Just wondering if the whole thing would go upwards or levitate including the base.
No. It would levitate up to the point were either a) gravity will win b) the diamagnetic force saturates.
 
pines-demon said:
No. It would levitate up to the point were either a) gravity will win b) the diamagnetic force saturates.
Interesting at 1:16 you can see a large aluminum cylinder hopping upwards and levitating for probably half a second on its way back down.

 
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