Energy expended during magnetic levitation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy dynamics involved in magnetic levitation, particularly comparing it to other forms of lift such as helicopters and rockets. Participants explore the implications of using magnets for levitation and the energy considerations associated with different methods of achieving lift.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that while traditional methods of lift, like helicopters, require energy to maintain hovering, magnets can levitate without apparent energy consumption.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of movement in relation to levitation, prompting questions about its relevance to the original inquiry.
  • A later reply suggests that the lack of energy consumption in magnetic levitation is due to the absence of mass acceleration, contrasting it with other lift methods that involve expelling mass.
  • There is a suggestion that this characteristic of magnets also implies limitations in their use for propulsion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of energy consumption in magnetic levitation compared to other forms of lift, indicating a lack of consensus on the underlying principles and their interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the assumptions regarding energy dynamics and the role of movement in levitation, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

Jbunn
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Two magnets, like poles facing, will "levitate". And they seem happy to do that forever.

In common experience, it takes energy to jump, an airplane to generate thrust to convert to lift, or a helicopter to hover. "Hovering" for the local TV newscopter, or a SpaceX rocket is an energy intensive endeavor. Two doughnut shaped magnets on a stick, hovering, counteracts gravity like the helicopter, but unlike the helicopter does not "consume energy."

In my case, my "everyday experience" is interfering with my ability to consider the problem without bias..

Can someone set me on the proper track? What am I overlooking?
 
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Movement.
 
Is this like a yogi that can levitate by standing on one leg, then folding up the other one? He does not move. When you say movement, how does that apply? to my question?
 
Jbunn said:
Can someone set me on the proper track? What am I overlooking?

All those examples, other than the magnets, require that mass be accelerated, either in the form of expelled exhaust or air projected downwards. Magnets do not. Though that also means that permanent magnets cannot be used for propulsion.
 

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