Electromagnetic Propulsion Theory

[AEStewart23]

If a metal plate, let's say 10 feet by 10 feet, is magnetised to a positive polarity, and a magnet that is also a positive polarity is place on the plate, will it float? and furthermore would it move across the plate if a force propelled it forward?

 

[trini]

earnshaw's theorem says this can't be done without some sort of balancing mechanism.

it could be done but you would need to arrange other magnets around the one you're trying to balance to get it to stay, though there would be some wobble I'm sure.

typical ways around this is to attach magnets to the underside of a board, and likewise on the floor beneath, then place the board on tracks so it can't slide off.

 

[russ_watters]

Btw, what you are describing isn't magnetic propulsion, but magnetic levitation.